Piano

My instruction is appropriate for intellectually curious musicians/music lovers. Please browse through my online CV before deciding to contact me. http://www.stanford.edu/~ichriss/

Norman Ortiz is an accomplished musician who has worked as a freelance pianist and teacher in the Bay Area since 1984. Mr. Ortiz received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, specializing in vocal accompaniment. As an accompanist, Mr. Ortiz has appeared with numerous singers on stages in London, Moscow (Tchaikowsky Competition), Zürich and San Francisco.

While I come from a mainly classical background, if a student wants to play or sing a rock, jazz, pop, Broadway (or any other genre you can think of!) tune, I am more than happy to oblige. This not only allows students to grow as diverse musicians, but also allows the students to decide which styles they find most rewarding and enjoyable. For this reason, I strive to be flexible in my teaching, striking a precise balance of structure and freedom that each individual student responds to best.

I am a professional recorder player, teaching both private and group classes. I travel around the US and Europe to teach recorder workshops. I perform with the Farallon Recorder Quartet, the Tibia Recorder Duo, and Bertamo, a baroque chamber ensemble. I teach recorder at all levels and piano for beginners.

I grew up in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and studied cello with the great Orlando Cole. His appreciation and love for music, not just cello music was so inspiring, and I often hear his words in my head when I'm teaching. After I graduated from the Curtis Institute which was the best place to learn chamber music, I went to Italy to play for 5 years. During that time, I started to study baroque cello, and played many many operas, ballets and symphony concerts with excellent conductors and soloists.

I believe that music study is essential and can bring a person so much joy. It is a wonderful challenge and keeps us in touch with excellence.

I myself started piano lessons at age 7, and violin at 10. And I started the pipe organ at age 32 and study of the Kodaly Method of Music Education at age 43!

Singing is the most natural 'first instrument.' It encourages our musicality and expression, which we can then strive to emulate on our instruments. Listening to our tone is crucial to beautiful playing. I like to encourage my students in this direction.

I have a vibrant studio, offering two recitals per year, and participation in events with the Music Teachers' Association of California and the California Association of Professional Music Teachers.

I love teaching and inspiring students to grow as competent and expressive musicians

I have a lively studio (currently over 60 students) of all ages who can't wait to come to weekly lessons at my home studio, Strings and Keys Music Studio!

My violin students thrive--the school children are developing amazing technique and a love of playing music, while my teenage students hold the top positions in their respective orchestras. My adult students, whom I required to take lessons when their children were under 5 years old, have not stopped, years later!