Flute Teacher: Michele Sahm taught me in a course called "Class Flute" in spring 1976 at Boston University. She was only 25 but her spirit was that of a much older person. She passed away in 1988. Here is a Boston Globe obituary and an interesting memorial statement from a fellow student at New York City's High School of Performing Arts.
Flute: Muramatsu CF4 (I think), made in 1980. Bought used from Flute World. I'm very happy with it. Couldn't survive without it. But the upper register is very ornery; I get better results with an old Gemeinhardt.
I listen to: James Galway Pat Metheny Murray Perahia
Players and singers with little or no vibrato: Rachel Podger, for example Baroque ensembles: King's Noyse; Il Giardino Armonico Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares Take 6 Chanticleer
Crossover Pop: Jeffrey Osborne Patti Austin Janet Jackson Early Tower of Power (of course) Earth Wind and Fire (of course)