Dr Vilma Timonen is a Lecturer in Folk Music at Sibelius Academy, University of Arts Helsinki. Her extensive career as a folk music educator and musician comprehends working in various fields of music teacher education and being one of the pioneers in bringing the traditional Finnish folk instrument Kantele into new musical environments. As a researcher, her work focuses on educational development, comprehending a vast trajectory of individual, institutional and global dimensions. Timonen's research interests include, e.g. matters related to more inclusive, educational and ethical music education, where diversity is embraced by fostering and elevating local musical traditions through non-formal and formal educational practices.