San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

Born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, Nicole A. Burns presently resides in Camarillo , California. She is an Independent Music Teacher/Adjudicator/Lecturer with over 35 years’ experience. She maintains a private studio averaging 25 students and loves what she does. Mrs. Burns began studying piano at the age of 7. Her teachers included: Mae Scott, Richard Hartman (NGPT), Betty Colley (MTAC), Ethel Fabricant (MTAC) & Christine Becker (MTAC). She was also very fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of Peter Yazbeck (Senior Lecturer UCSB) through numerous workshops, lectures , and master classes. Mrs. Burns teaches all levels of piano from the young beginner to the musically advanced and has worked with many students with neurological delays including autism, spina bifida, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory processing disorders. Her primary goal in teaching is to develop a life - long love of music. Her favorite quote is : “Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” (Henry Van Dyke) In addition to teaching, Mrs. Burns is a national Adjudicator/Evaluator for numerous piano events. Mrs. Burns also serves as a mentor to new teachers and student teachers in the Ventura County Area. Mrs. Burns had an article published in ‘The California Music Teacher’ Journal (Vol. 27, #2 - Winter 2003/2004) entitled “Is Music Related to Health?”