Tina Fedeski
Community Pillars
For nearly two decades, Tina Fedeski has been a transformative force in Ottawa’s cultural and community landscape, using the power of music to create opportunity, foster belonging, and strengthen communities across the city. A visionary leader, educator, and arts advocate, Tina has dedicated her career to ensuring that children and youth from all backgrounds have access to high-quality music education and the life-changing opportunities it can provide.
Originally trained in England, Tina received her musical education through the Bedfordshire Youth Orchestra and the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama before building an international performance career, including four seasons as Principal Flute with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. While she achieved significant success as a professional musician, Tina chose to focus her talents on community-building and social impact, ultimately making Ottawa her home.
In 2007, Tina co-founded OrKidstra alongside Gary McMillen and Margaret Tobolowska. Recognizing a critical gap in access to arts education for children from equity-deserving communities, she helped create an innovative and sustainable model that combines intensive music education with mentorship, academic support, and community engagement. Under her leadership as Co-Founder and Artistic Managing Director, OrKidstra has grown into one of Ottawa’s most respected community organizations, serving more than 4,500 children and youth from over 60 cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Tina’s leadership has had a profound impact on Ottawa’s social fabric. Through OrKidstra, students have not only developed musical excellence, but also confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging. Remarkably, 100% of OrKidstra graduates complete high school and continue to post-secondary education, creating lasting social and economic benefits for the community.
Beyond program development, Tina has consistently championed collaboration and innovation. She launched initiatives such as the KiddlyWinks in-school music program in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and convened national conversations on social development through music, helping position Ottawa as a leader in this field. She has also mentored countless educators, musicians, and emerging community leaders, always advocating for inclusion and equitable access to opportunity.
Tina’s extraordinary contributions have earned numerous honours, including the Order of Ottawa in 2024, the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Carleton University, and the Mayor’s Peace Award.
Through vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Tina Fedeski has strengthened Ottawa’s communities and transformed the lives of thousands of young people. Her leadership continues to inspire a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant city.
