Vilma Timonen, is a Lecturer of Folk Music at Sibelius Academy, Uniarts, Helsinki. Her extensive career as an educator and musician encompasses working in various fields of teacher education as well as being one of the pioneers bringing traditional Finnish folk instrument Kantele into new musical environments. As a researcher, her work focuses on intercultural collaborations. Timonen aims to contribute to more globally sensitive music teacher education, where diversity is embraced through fostering and elevating local musical traditions.