Meet Norma Dieterlen

“I perform because I love music. I teach because I care. My experiences as a musician have brought me unique perspectives that have shaped my approach to music education. The study of music, I believe, is an essential part of human development and expression. Therefore, I prioritize tying all musical goals back into this fundamental, guiding principle to make lessons fun, engaging, effective, and meaningful. It’s a great legacy and honor to be a part of helping others to find their own unique Pathway to Musicianship.”   ~   Norma Dieterlen

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Norma Dieterlen grew up in Northern Kentucky on her family’s small farm. After working as a practical nurse/caregiver and considering veterinary medicine as a career, she decided to devote herself to music. An active local teacher and performer, Ms. Dieterlen earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Piano Performance, summa cum laude, from Northern Kentucky University where she also studied jazz piano and voice. Her primary teachers were Dr. Richard Van Dyke and Dr. Christina Seal (classical piano), Jim Connerly and Jordan Pollard (jazz piano), and Dr. Kelly Mackenzie-Thurley (voice). She competitively performed as a classical pianist throughout her college career earning finalist status and scholarship award. With graduation, she was honored by NKU music faculty by being named Outstanding Music Graduate of the Year. As a student, she presented twice at KMTA pedagogy conferences on the subjects of performance anxiety and inquiry-based teaching methods. As a performer, she has participated in church music ministries in choral, accompaniment, and band settings. She regularly enjoys working as a free-lance musician for private events (weddings, parties, graduations, etc.) and with local schools as a vocal, choral, and instrumental accompanist.  She continues to work with NKU as an instructor in the Music Prep Department and collaborative pianist with the NKU Youth Choir.

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Ms. Dieterlen teaches students of all ages and abilities. Lessons encompass theory, technique, ear training, and sight reading all focused toward increasing the ability to speak a musical language and deepen the student’s relationship with sound. Her awareness of the impact of neurodiversity and life’s experiences on developing musicianship gives her a passion for offering innovative and flexible approaches to piano instruction tailored to the individual’s needs. She is thrilled to work with students in this way and explore the facets of musicianship from performance stress to development of the inner ear to practice habits.

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With consistent and patient application, you can become the pianist you aspire to be.

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