Monika Durbin studied music at the University of West Florida (Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, 2002), the University of Southern Mississippi (1997-2000) and Pensacola Junior College (Associate of Arts in Music, 1997). Her achievements include winning the Junior/Senior Collegiate Woodwinds division of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association competition in November of 1999.  She especially enjoys performing chamber music.  In collaboration with pianist Stephanie Womble, Monika has presented programs for arts organizations such as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild, and also represented District I of the Florida State Music Teachers Association by performing on the "Independent and College Teachers' Recital" at the FSMTA 2004 State Conference. Monika currently performs in the Trio de Luna with bassoonist Bobby Griffin and pianist Jonathan Ziegler.

While attending the University of Southern Mississippi, Monika rang handbells in Carillon under the direction of Dr. Larry Smith.  With Carillon, she toured all over the United States, and internationally in France, Austria, Switzerland and Japan.  Monika currently rings under the direction of esteemed composer/clinician Donald E. Allured in BellFest, an auditioned community handbell choir in Pensacola.  Monika and fellow ringer Bobby Griffin are co-owners of MoBo Bells, conducting handbell masterclasses and workshops and performing concerts for churches and schools.

Monika teaches private flute, piano, and lever harp lessons in Pensacola at the Hillcrest Baptist Church School of Music. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Florida State Music Teachers Association, and the Pensacola Music Teachers Association, where she serves on the Executive Board as Vice President for Publications.  She also composes and arranges music for handbells, harp, woodwinds, and more through Formia Press. 

Along with her colleagues Patrick Barber and Heather Bryson, Monika co-founded the instrumental ensemble Canticle, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which provides live music to the sick and the elderly in the Pensacola area.

Monika is currently in the studio recording with Celtic band Sweet Prospect, and appears on their last recording, Cold Frosty Morn.

Click a link below to listen to Monika play:

• Monika Durbin & Stephanie Womble

• Canticle

Monika is happily married to her husband of 6 years, Jerod, a computer scientist who plays the drums and teaches percussion (also at the Hillcrest School of Music) in his spare time.