Composing a Musical Legacy: Dr. Alan Kinningham’s Impact on FHU Music and Education

Dr. Alan Kinningham is not a man to toot his own horn – so to speak. While Freed-Hardeman University’s accomplished professor of music could boast of his years of teaching experience, recognition in several professional publications, and dozens of original compositions that have been performed all across the country, he is still reluctant to receive too much credit for his contributions. “I always kiddingly say I was the token doctorate degree,” Kinningham said, reflecting on his initial FHU hiring. “They were just looking for someone who had a doctor in musical arts.”

Despite his humble nature, students and colleagues recognize Kinningham as a strong and passionate supporter of Freed-Hardeman University’s music program, as well as of music education in general.

Before coming to FHU, Kinningham worked as a band director in the public school setting for 30 years, only briefly stepping away from teaching in order to earn his Doctor of Musical Arts in music composition from the University of Memphis.

Dr. Alan Kinningham

In 2011, he became a part-time music professor at Freed-Hardeman, a position in which he stayed for two years until 2013 when he became an assistant professor. In 2020, Kinningham was tenured and has since become an associate professor, as well as music program coordinator, at FHU. He is pleased with the recent progress of the program. “I’m really happy with the way things are going right now in the music program; we’ve been growing a lot these past couple of years,” Kinningham said. “The administration has made an effort to help us by bringing in more personnel.”

Kinningham gave significant credit to the legacy of great FHU teachers who have been united in a goal to offer a Christ-centered education in music while providing a diversity of talent and experience. He recognized both former and current faculty members such as Dr. Gary McKnight, Dr. Richard England, Professor Adam Booher, Dr. Michael Yopp and Dr. Scott Wyatt for their years of dedicated efforts on behalf of the music program.

It is clear the impact that Kinningham himself has had on both the music program and his students, many of whom refer to him as “Doc.” One of these students is senior Kiana Mitchell, who has spent significant time working with the professor. “Doc has been one of the biggest supporters of my music since getting to Freed-Hardeman,” Mitchell said. “I know I can always show him my ideas and new music.”

Kinningham has expressed his admiration for the students he works with and approaches mentorship with an “open door policy.” “It’s enjoyable to not only teach but often collaborate with the students. Most of our students are members of the church, and I think that makes a difference,” he shared. “They come in with different levels of talent and understanding, but they’re dependable students, dependable people. In the workforce, I think that means more than talent.”

Although Kinningham has been with Freed-Hardeman for years, his accomplishments are not limited to the university. In 2016, he was invited to New York City to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11, where some of his original work was performed inside the historic Trinity Church. During the event, the West Point Band performed his piece entitled “Servants in Action” honoring the selfless acts of courage that tragic day of 9/11. “When Will the Hurting Stop?” was also written by Kinningham following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and has been performed on several occasions. Dozens more of his compositions have been performed at universities and venues all across the country.

Additionally, Kinningham has written multiple pieces which have been performed by both the FHU Chorale and the Legacy Jazz Band, as well as hymns corresponding to the themes of the annual FHU Lectureship. His “Ark of Hope” was performed by the FHU Chorale in memory of Hope Barber Shull for the dedication of Freed-Hardeman’s Academic Resource Center. He has also written many pieces for the university’s music program. Booher, assistant professor of music, performed one of these pieces last year during the dedication of the department’s new piano.

Kinningham’s accomplishments have not only caught the attention of his colleagues and students, but they have also made evident his effect on Freed Hardeman’s music program. “Doc has greatly impacted the music department with his talent of writing beautiful hymns,” Mitchell said. “One of my favorite songs we’ve performed in Chorale is his original piece, ‘Triumph of the Lamb.’ He has the talent and ability to write these kinds of songs like none other.”

Kinningham expressed that his hopes for the future of the music program include more opportunities for students, such as additional areas of emphasis, mentorships and internships. Students in FHU’s music program have already been able to partner with 8 Track Entertainment and visit the historic FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to bring their music to life, an experience which became one of Mitchell’s favorite memories with “Doc.” “It was awesome to be at a place where so many talented musicians have recorded,” Mitchell shared. The department is hoping to provide similar opportunities in the near future.

As for Kinningham, he still has a lot he wants to accomplish. He is currently writing a piece for Booher that is also influenced by the blues, and he is already working on a hymn for next year’s lectureship. While he is happy to downplay his own accomplishments, Freed-Hardeman University is proud to count him as a strong advocate and dedicated ambassador for the FHU music program.