Mika Valenzuela

Biography

Texas native Mika Allison-Valenzuela is a sought after oboist and passionate teaching artist based in the San Antonio area. She is a multi-faceted performer, working extensively in chamber and orchestral settings and is a strong advocate for pushing the boundaries of the classical music tradition.

Mika champions new and diverse repertoire with ensembles across the country. With San Antonio-based Adelante Winds, she has commissioned new works for woodwind quintet and collaborated with San Antonio artists to create innovative programs that stretch the expectation of wind performance. She is also a founding member of 5th Wave Collective, a Chicago-based organization that promotes and performs music by women and gender non-conforming composers. Mika has held positions with the West Michigan Symphony, Texas Bach Festival, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago and performs regularly with ensembles such as the Austin Symphony, Central Texas Philharmonic, Symphony Viva, and Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Mika’s teaching experience spans from the elementary school classroom to the collegiate studio. She serves as Lecturer of Oboe at Texas Lutheran University and has led masterclasses and summer programs, working with students at Texas State University, Eastern Illinois University, Bocal Majority, and several San Antonio area school districts. She also maintains a dynamic private oboe studio. No matter the student’s age or ability, Mika aims to foster a love and curiosity for music, while instilling foundational skills necessary for musical growth.

Mika holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas State University. She earned a Master of Music degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed a Post-Master’s Certificate of Performance at DePaul University. Her primary teachers include Ian Davidson, John Dee, and Grace Hong.