In addition to her active performing career, she currently teaches individual piano studies in the Los Angeles area. Ms. Chiang is an active member of both the Music Teacher’s Association of California and the Music Teacher’s National Association, two of the most prestigious and influential music teachers’ associations in the country. She is also a lifelong member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the distinguished national music honors society of music curriculum graduates who have achieved the highest standard of academic excellence. After moving to Southern California in 1996, she has taught at the South Bay Conservatory and at Musical Beginnings Music Academy, has worked as an accompanist for Santa Monica College and El Camino College, has continued to perform extensively and has produced two solo piano CD’s.

Nora Chiang began her own piano studies with her mother at the age of four. After several years of study with her mother she began studying with Marion Peterson, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, who ultimately prepared her for her entrance into the pre-college division of the world-renowned Juilliard School of Music. At the age of thirteen Ms. Chiang was awarded a five-year scholarship to attend the Juilliard School where she studied with the pianist Leonard Eisner. She went on to pursue a career in piano and received a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Barry Snyder. She did graduate work at New England Conservatory with the world-renowned Leonard Shure and received a Master of Music from the University of Southern California while studying with Norman Krieger, a world-traveling performing concert pianist. Ms. Chiang also studied and performed at the Banff Music Center in Canada, the Music Academy of the West and the Round Top Festival in Texas. She has also had chamber music coaching with renowned musicians including Bernard Greenhouse, Michael Tree, Walter Trampler, Donald McInnes and former members of the Cleveland Quartet – Donald Weilerstein, Peter Salaff, Atar Arad, and Paul Katz. She has also had extensive training in vocal repertoire and was coached by John Maloy, Tom Paul, Marcia Baldwin and the late Jan DeGaetani.

Ms. Chiang has, since her teaching career began in 1986, developed a philosophy of teaching that has best helped her students achieve success at whatever age or level in piano and other endeavors in their life. She requires that her students commit to their studies, practice regularly and participate actively in their own learning. Her studio includes students of all ages and all levels of study. Ms. Chiang conducts an initial interview - which includes a free lesson - with all new students and only accepts those who are willing to dedicate themselves to their studies. The new student must go through a probationary period of two months during which they must demonstrate regular practice habits and a serious attitude toward their studies. Ms. Chiang is a dedicated teacher and mentor to those students who show sincere interest in their piano study. She encourages and challenges students to strive towards their best, giving them the knowledge, tools and inspiration needed to discover life-long fulfillment in piano and music, regardless of profession. Ms. Chiang has the patience, warmth, exuberance and spirit to inspire those who wish to find fulfillment in piano and music studies.

Recommendations:

…with Nora’s patient help I am progressing. She breaks down my practice time into specific manageable tasks… She has a holistic sensibility…, helps me keep my goals in sight and my expectations in proper perspective. (She) takes a dynamic approach instead of sticking to a stale, rigid formula… I particularly appreciate Nora’s goal-oriented approach, as well as her emphasis on my responsibility to follow through on my commitment. She’s a definite find!
-- Karla Jackson Mendelson
 (Adult Student)

…I am delighted to say that Ms. Chiang is one of the most outstanding artists I have had the pleasure of teaching at USC. Nora Chiang has intense musicality, intelligence, superb technique and a broad knowledge of all the major styles of music. I am sure Ms. Chiang will acquit herself with great distinction in the future...
-- Norman Krieger
(International pianist and Professor)

Nora Chiang is a musician/pianist of the highest caliber. In concerts, her artistry, the beauty of tone and phrasing, are matched by an outstanding technique. I have heard her several times in solo concert, and on each occasion, experienced her playing as very special.
-- Carolyn Brown
(Fullbright Scholar, Pianist, Professor, five-year student of Leon Fleischer)

…(Nora Chiang’s) playing (is) first rate. (Her) standards, her knowledge, her musicianship and her personality will lead her to make a truly excellent teacher… Thus, I can without reservation, highly recommend her to you.
-- June Lusk Nelson
(Fullbright Scholar, Pianist, Professor)