Canadian composer Lorna Paterson has a varied career as a piano teacher, artistic director, musical director, clinician, adjudicator, examiner, chamber musician and composer. 

Lorna specializes in composing original music for students that is contemporary, engaging and grade appropriate.  For over 25 years her compositions have been selected for the Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Syllabus, continuing in the 2022 syllabus.

Lorna’s works have been featured in The Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects Piano Syllabus, Contemporary Showcase, Victoria Conservatory of Music, Victoria Piano Summer School, Conservatory Canada and various Festival syllabi across Canada and the USA.

The Frederick Harris Music Company Ltd. published five of Lorna’s albums: Pianimals, Safari Suite, Just a Second! and duet albums, Too Cool and Nothing Up My Sleeve.   Lorna’s composition, Mobilé, reviewed as “an exhilarating piece to listen to or to play,” was selected for publication in the CFMTA Diamond Jubilee Piano Collection.

As Featured Composer at Canada Music Week recitals, Lorna enjoys the opportunity to connect with teachers and students. She has participated in a number of these events with the South Fraser Registered Music Teachers, Victoria Registered Music Teachers, Edmonton Contemporary Showcase, Victoria Conservatory of Music, Victoria Piano Summer School, Alberta Showcase and more. 

Lorna’s two new publications, Contemporary Piano Collection Volume 1  (32 pieces, levels 1-3) and Contemporary Piano Collection Volume 2  (18 pieces, levels 4-9) are available for purchase at Long & McQuade music stores across Canada.

Reviews

“Interesting and original writing”
– The American Music Teacher

“Attractive and refreshing recital selections”
– Clavier Magazine

“An exhilarating piece to listen to or play”
– Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association

“I am enchanted with her wit and sensitivity to sonorities”
–  Dr. Dale Reubart, composer

“Wonderful character sketches”
– Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association

“Intermediate students will enjoy these four cool duets.  The two parts are equally challenging and entertaining.”
– Clavier Magazine

“As a pedagogical composer she has the enviable ability to write music which is attractive to students, well-graded as to their abilities, and yet of the 20-21st century.”
– Winifred Scott Wood, past Vice-Principal Emerita, Victoria Conservatory of Music