Faculty & Staff
Native American Flute
Department of Music
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone:541-737-4061
Fax:541-737-4268
E-mail: jmlookingwolf@hotmail.com
Jan Michael Looking Wolf is a Kalapuya Native with a mix of Irish Heritage. He lives near his native reservation and plays the wooden native flute both in recording and ceremony.
Looking Wolf has found a great success in the music industry, resulting in 16 CDs and 2 DVDs released internationally on five Indie Record Labels garnering 37 national award recognitions, including being named Artist of the Year at the prestigious Native American Music Awards (2009). In 2008, he became the first to win Flutist of the Year by both major Native Music Organizations for his solo flute CD ‘Unity'. His prior work crossed genres with a range from solo traditional flute to blues and jazz, classical, folk and alternative rock with a full accompaniment. However, his music always maintains a center on the native flute and humanity.
Looking Wolf has recorded several projects for non-profit causes such as cancer treatments for children, homeless crisis, and most recently drug and alcohol prevent for Native American Youth.
In 1994, he suffered from a debilitating stroke as a result of a rare genetic disorder that is prone to Native Americans. After being a paraplegic for almost a year, Looking Wolf recovered completely. Now, he shares a message of hope, healing, and unity through his flute. Every note is played from the heart, every breath a celebration of the gift of life.
"I am honored to be able to share this beautiful instrument of peace and healing with you. The Native American Flute's journey reflects the plight of the native people of North America." - JMLW
A seasoned performer and lecturer, Looking Wolf has appeared at over 400 events across the country as a soloist and with a full rock band. The message in his music sings loud and clear - Equity for ALL people regardless of color, ethnicity, gender, or income. Jan Michael Looking Wolf instructs three sections of Native Flute at OSU offered under Cultural Diversity in the Bac Core course listing fall, winter and spring. Participants learn history, theory, and application of the native flute in a context that transcends cultural boundaries.