Norm Zabala, also known as The River Norm, is a professional musician, composer, and music educator based in Victoria, British Columbia.

Originally from the Philippines and raised in Montreal, Norm began playing music as a self-taught musician before pursuing formal studies at the McGill Conservatory of Music and Concordia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

Growing up in Montreal, Norm became immersed in the local music scene at a young age. His passion for music led him to formal training in composition, performance, and theory, while continuing to develop as a working musician.

These combined experiences shaped both his artistic voice and his long-term approach to music education: practical, creative, and grounded in real-world musicianship.

PERFORMANCE & INTERNATIONAL WORK

Over the course of his career, Norm has worked extensively as a performer, composer, and music director in both studio and live settings.

He has performed at major festivals and international events, including:

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

Canada Day on Parliament Hill

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

International tours across France, Mexico, Morocco, the UK, and other locations

His work has taken him into diverse musical environments, ranging from large-scale festival stages to collaborative studio productions.

COMPOSITION & RECORDING WORK

Norm has contributed as a composer and musician to commercially released recordings, including Gold-certified albums and internationally recognized projects.

His work includes contributions to:

Award-recognized studio recordings

Film and theatrical music production

Original compositions for live musical theatre, including Franklin and the Adventures of the Noble Knights

These experiences reflect a long-standing practice in both composition and collaborative music production.

TEACHING CAREER

Alongside his performance career, Norm has built a strong foundation in music education through private instruction and teaching roles at respected music programs.

He has worked with students of all ages and levels, developing a teaching approach focused on:

clarity and structure

creativity and expression

practical musical development

confidence and long-term growth

Since 2012, following the birth of his first child, Norm has focused on teaching and building a dedicated community of music students.

T.R.N. MUSIC SCHOOL

Today, Norm runs T.R.N. Music School in Victoria, BC, offering private in-person and online lessons in:

Guitar

Piano

Voice

Ukulele

Bass

Songwriting

Music theory & ear training

Lessons take place in his private studio in Gordon Head, Victoria, providing a focused and supportive environment for learning.

His teaching is designed for students of all ages and levels — from complete beginners to advanced musicians looking to refine their skills.

CURRENT ARTISTIC WORK

In addition to teaching, Norm continues to write, record, and release music under the name The River Norm.

His current work blends storytelling, acoustic-driven songwriting, and decades of musical experience across performance and composition.

Recent releases include original songs and interpretations that reflect both personal experience and long-term artistic development.

SELECTED CAREER WORK

Performances & Touring

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Montreal & Ottawa International Jazz Festivals

International tours in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America

Canada Day on Parliament Hill performances

Composition & Recording

Gold-certified studio recordings

Film and theatrical music composition

Original music for professional stage productions

CLOSING

Norm’s work continues to bridge performance, composition, and education — combining professional experience with a long-standing commitment to teaching and musical development.

He remains active as both an educator and recording artist, working with students and audiences through T.R.N. Music School and his personal project The River Norm.