Dr. Kathy Armstrong

Biography

Kathy Armstrong is an Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) at Carleton University, specializing in music education and ethnomusicology. She combines her extensive training in classical music with studies in Ghanaian music and dance to offer an integrated, community-based approach to music education. Her research interests include participatory music-making, music wellbeing, social justice in music education, and applied ethnomusicology. Kathy received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Percussion Music Education from the University of Toronto and later completed her MA in Music Culture at Carleton University, where she was honored with the Senate Medal for her thesis on the connections between drumming and the health and wellbeing of adolescents. Over her years at Carleton, she has developed innovative courses in applied rhythm and has taught various subjects including African music and global music wellbeing. In addition, Kathy is the founding director of the West African Rhythm Ensemble at Carleton and has led numerous student trips to Ghana to study urban and rural music. She has also been actively involved in the Ottawa music community through initiatives like the Baobab Tree Drum and Dance Community, earning recognition such as the Community Appreciation Award from the Ghanaian Association in Ottawa. In 2021, she established the Baobab Collaborative Arts Fund to enhance experiential learning opportunities in the diasporic communities through cultural knowledge sharing. Her impactful work highlights her commitment to music education and community engagement.

Research Interests