Flutist and educator Dr. Megumi Nomura moved from Tokyo, Japan to the United States at the age of four. She ultimately landed in Saratoga, California to attend Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School.
Following high school graduation, Dr. Nomura earned her Bachelor of Music degree under scholarship for academic and musical excellence with renowned flutist and musician Amy Porter at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, then received her Master of Music degree (MM) and Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in flute performance and arts administration from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her primary teachers at CCM include Dr. Bradley Garner (CCM and Julliard School) and Randy Bowman (principal flutist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra).
Megumi's passion for music is reflected in her dedication to teaching private her flute students, leading instrumental flute sectionals around the Bay Area, playing chamber music with her colleagues, and performing with local symphonies and other instrumental ensembles. She also teaches music as well as Spanish and Yearbook classes at Bethany Lutheran School in Vacaville, California.
In addition to practicing, Dr. Nomura's non-musical hobbies include traveling, reading, cooking, hiking, and running. In addition to her numerous musical accomplishments, she is also a proud mother alongside her husband Technical Sergeant Daniel Shifren, bassoonist of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.
Music in the Nomura/Shifren household is a family affair!