Norman’s piano tuning career began in the mid 1970’s when he started tinkering with old instruments to learn how they were made and how they work.

In 1979 Norman was accepted into the School of Piano Technology at the NSW Conservatorium of Music and graduated as a piano tuner/technician in 1982 under the tutelage of the late Ara Vartoukian OAM.
Norman worked for many of Sydney’s most reputable piano retailers and major venues such as The Sydney Entertainment Center, The Capitol, Regent and States Theatres as well as recording studios EMI, Paradise and Trafalgar.

From 1981-1991 he tuned and prepared pianos for many iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Sting, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, U2, B.B. King, Victor Borge and Australian favourites Marcia Hines, INXS, John Farnham, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, Roger Woodward and David Helfgott.

In 1991 Norman moved to Northern NSW and established his business The Piano Works in Mullumbimby, tuning, repairing, restoring, buying and selling pianos. In 2002 he sourced and installed the Steinway Model D concert grand in the Byron Community Theatre.

He has tuned and performed at major music festivals; Bluesfest, Tyalgum, Bangalow and Mullum Fest.
It is often said that piano tuning is a mixture of science and art. With the introduction of electronic tuning devices over the last 40 years many pundits feel that while the science is emphasized, the art is lost.

Norman is one of the few tuners left in the world who can still tune the whole piano entirely by ear. Each piano is unique and has its own character and idiosyncrasies which is why only a good aural tuner can get the best results.
A number of Norman’s clients including Roger Woodward and Don Walker of Cold Chisel have declared him one of the best in Australia.

Presently Norman is semi-retired but still maintains pianos for some long established clients and venues. He is still available as a consultant to anyone needing advice on anything to do with pianos.