Aoi Shinagawa began studying flute at the age of 11 with Karla Myers and continued her studies at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with Sabrina Saiki-Mita. She received her Bachelor of Education from the university in 2019 and started her career as a public school teacher immediately after. She regularly performs clinics for local middle and high schools and has experience working with students ranging from the elementary to post-retirement level.

While at the University of Hawai’i, Aoi played in many ensembles and participated in soloist competitions including the MTNA Young Artist Competition, where she was selected to represent the state of Hawaii. During this time, she also began playing flute and piccolo with the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Currently, Aoi is pursuing her Master of Arts in Music Education while working as a music teacher at Pahoa High and Intermediate School. She maintains an active membership in professional organizations such as the National Association for Music Educators, the Hawai’i Orff-Schulwerk Association, the Hawai’i Music Educators Association, and the Hawai’i Flute Society.