Noriko Mendez
Born and raised in Japan, Noriko developed a deep passion for music from an early age. Studying classical music at the Yamaha School, she later expanded into pop music at the Yamaha Light Music Center in Tokyo, Japan. Coming from a musical family, with a father who was a jazz musician, Noriko naturally embraced a wide range of styles.
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While in Tokyo, she performed with several rock, pop, and Latin bands in various venues, honing versatility across different genres. Since moving to New York, Noriko has been actively playing with an R&B unit, a Latin Pop/Funk band, big bands, jazz ensembles, and numerous salsa bands at the venues such as The Bowery Electric, The Delancey NYC, Silvana Harlem, The Cutting Room, A&S Sugar Bar, and many more.
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Currently, she performs for a variety of events, including weddings, private parties, fundraisers, and beachside gatherings throughout the tri-state area. In addition to performing, Noriko has expanded into teaching, especially in the years leading up to the pandemic. With a focus on young students, she enjoys guiding them in their musical development. Her lessons include piano, music theory, and percussion—an essential tool for developing rhythmic awareness for any instrument.
Instructor Profile
Genres​
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Classical
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Pop
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Jazz
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Latin
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Contemporary
Instruments
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Piano
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Education
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Yamaha Light Music Center (Tokyo, Japan)