Kim Kirkman’s rise in the music world has been significantly shaped by his mother, Colleen Jones (Ahern), who reflects on her son’s journey as she transitions from a professional educator to a proud parent. Since moving to Maleny in late 2013, she has often been recognized not as an accomplished statistician and educator but as “Kim Kirkman’s mum.”
Colleen’s own background is steeped in music. Growing up in a family where each member played an instrument, she was exposed to artistic influences from an early age. With a foundation in ballet and speech, she naturally gravitated towards encouraging her son’s musical talents. Kim’s father, Hugh, known for his passion for Country and Western music, had a distinct aversion to classical tunes. Undeterred, Colleen introduced a bright orange cassette player into their home when Kim was just 10 months old, using it to lull him to sleep with classical music. “I guess I brainwashed him from an early age,” Colleen quipped.
Colleen’s commitment to nurturing Kim’s musical abilities began in earnest when he was three years old and she enrolled him in musical appreciation classes in Sydney. These classes focused on developing rhythm and musicality. Although she also enrolled Kim in ballet lessons, his early struggles with motor coordination led to the cessation of these activities, a decision she later expressed regret over.
At five, Kim began learning the violin through the Suzuki method, but fate intervened when his first two teachers passed away. Undeterred, Colleen persevered, and by age eight, their move to Cairns introduced Kim to a remarkable teacher, Elaine Fox. Both Elaine and her husband, Colin, were seasoned musicians who had performed with the South Australian Symphony Orchestra. Under their guidance, Kim not only honed his violin skills but also explored piano and later took up the viola.
Colleen recalls the moment she first heard Kim sing. It was during a primary school concert when he was seven, and she realized he had a voice. Initially, singing was not encouraged at home, but this performance ignited his vocal journey. At 11, Kim participated in the local Eisteddfod, where his struggle to hit the notes prompted Colleen to seek professional vocal training. The first teacher assessed Kim’s capabilities and recommended transposing his song down by a sixth, a challenging adjustment at the time.
The hard work paid off when Kim excelled in the Eisteddfod, winning his solo and placing third in the age 11 to 18 musical section. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his serious pursuit of music. Colleen’s direct involvement in Kim’s music education eventually tapered off, but she has remained a steadfast supporter, attending nearly all his performances.
Colleen’s reflections on her son’s journey reveal the profound impact of early musical exposure and parental encouragement. Kim Kirkman’s evolving career stands as a testament to the combined influences of a nurturing family environment and dedicated educators.
