Norm Zabala

Norm Zabala is a professional musician, singer, composer and music teacher. He holds a BFA with a major in music. Norm has composed and played on many albums and has toured all over the world performing solo and as part of a diverse range of artists, bands and ensembles

Norm became a part of the Star Performance Academy family in 2013. Even after relocating out of the province in early 2023, he remained an integral part of Star as the head of the Virtual Lessons Division. He operates his own studio equipped with top-notch stereo microphones and multiple video webcam angles for teaching purposes. Norm employs an agile student-centred approach to teaching. He uses popular song genres, modern technological devices and music apps to deliver music theory and develop each student’s technical and practical skills according to their chosen instrument. Teaching each student differently based on how they learn best, Norm regularly updates his students’ personal goals, adjusting his lesson plans and motivational strategies to fit each student’s musical journey. He believes that as teachers we should find ways to make the student want to practice rather than leave them feeling that they have to practice. Drawing on his vast experience as a musician, vocalist, and composer, he taps into his wide range of influences and genres to make the lessons fun and enriching for each student regardless of their age and skill level.

As music director, musician and composer for world music artist Florence K, Norm toured France and the UK including opening for Bernard Lavilliers as well as performing at the Bermuda Music Festival, the Isle Of Wight Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Canada Day Festival on Parliament Hill, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and many more. During this time he was also composing songs and recording on albums including Bossa Blue and Historia de Lola which were certified Gold and won World Album Of The Year for 2007 and 2008 respectively at L’ADISQ Gala.

Norm has also released his own album "The Woodshed Sessions" and composed music for Koba Family Entertainment's production of Franklin the Turtle, "Franklin And The Adventures Of The Noble Knights". After becoming a parent, he transitioned from touring to teaching, building a loyal student base, all while pursuing a full-time career in performing, songwriting, and music recording.