Kimberly McLemore

Kimberly Kraft McLemore is a distinguished music educator, arts administrator, and passionate advocate for the arts, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently in her eighth season with the Nashville Symphony, Kimberly serves as the Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, where she leads initiatives to foster greater access to music education and community impact.

Previously, Kimberly managed the Symphony’s nationally acclaimed Accelerando program, which prepares young musicians from diverse backgrounds for careers in classical music. She also co-produced the Emmy Award-winning recording We Are Nashville, a powerful testament to the city’s unity through music.

Before joining the Nashville Symphony, Kimberly taught choral and theater arts in the Metro Nashville Public Schools. Her dedication to arts education extended to her work as a member of the Fine Arts Standards Writing Committee for the Tennessee State Board of Education and as an ensemble manager for the Tennessee Music Educators Association’s state conference. From 2013 to 2022, she served as ensemble manager for the All-National Honor Ensemble at the National Association for Music Education National Conference. Kimberly is also a valued member of the Music Makes Us Advisory Council for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Kimberly’s dedication to excellence in music education has earned her recognition from prestigious organizations, including being named one of Yamaha Music’s 40 Under 40 in Music Education and receiving the Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence award, highlighting her profound impact on students and the field of music education.

Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Pennsylvania State University. In addition to her professional work, she continues to perform as a freelance musician and teaching artist. Outside of music, Kimberly enjoys baking and spending quality time with her husband and two children.