VANAMALI MEDINA
educator, flutist
I grew up with music as constant, starting with a church community always singing at the top of their lungs, watching operas on PBS with my mother, and playing guitar in a bluegrass band. Experiencing music as a way to build and live within a community had a great impact. Bringing the same kinds of opportunities to studio families is a core principle of my teaching.
I received a Bachelor of Music in Performance with Distinction from St. Olaf College, studying with Kay Sahlin, and my Master of Music Performance with Lorna McGhee and Brenda Fedorak at the University of British Columbia. While at UBC, I taught and designed the curriculum for the flute portion of the Woodwind Methods course,.
My teaching is heavily influenced by Suzuki philosophy, which I first encountered attending a Suzuki Early Childhood music class after my first daughter was born. The emphasis on a healthy mindset, building a musical ear alongside technique, and a worldwide community of both students and teachers intrigued me. I began Suzuki Teacher Training. the following summer and have since completed classes through Book Ten. I also take further pedagogy training throughout the year and, with my two daughters both learning an instrument, participate in lessons from the parent side in daily practice.
Whatever their individual goals, I encourage my students to seek out new musical experiences and approach music as communication and connection. My favorite moments of teaching are when students arrive excited about a new piece they've found or make a musical holiday card for their family and especially when they realize they really have something of value to give to themselves and others through their flute.
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