Fiddle, Song-Writing, Vocal Production and Coaching

Sierra Noble is a Winnipeg singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer, who released their first album of traditional Metis and Old Time fiddle music as a teenager, followed by the well-received “Possibilities”, and later, “City of Ghosts”. Over the course of these albums, Noble honed their skills as a songwriter while garnering widespread attention, which led them to opening for Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, and Johnny Reid, and as a featured performer in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. Noble’s original music has been included in TV shows such as One Tree Hill, Switched at Birth, and Parenthood, and in films such as CBC’s Humboldt: The New Season, 40 Weeks, and Fostering Hope.

What is your education and experience?

Fiddle
My education has come in many different forms, throughout my life, beginning at seven years old with classical violin studies. Shortly after that, I began learning traditional fiddle music mainly in the Metis, Irish, and Scottish styles and traditions. While I continued my classical studies for many years, my heart belonged to the old, close-to-forgotten, traditional Metis fiddle tunes which I had the honour of having passed down to me by ear, in person, by the last generation of masters in the style; the majority of whom have now passed on.  These tunes are precious, and quickly being forgotten, so I take great care to keep them alive through performance, and passing them on to other musicians who wish to learn them and honour them like I do.

I grew up playing at Old Time dances all over the prairies, as well as competing in all of the fiddle contests in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

I have been a fiddle player professionally for 20 years, performing on some of the country’s largest stages, and at festivals worldwide, and while I now do many other things in addition to playing the violin/fiddle, it is still my heart and soul.

Songwriting
I began my songwriting journey as a teenager, when I was already touring heavily as a fiddle player. I was very lucky to have the opportunity from a young age to write with some of the top songwriters in cities like Toronto, New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. I have had music used in films, documentaries, and television series, as well as recorded by other artists. As a singer-songwriter/recording artist I have had the opportunity to perform on some of the country’s largest stages, and at festivals around the world. While I specialize in pop, folk, americana, rock genres, I have enjoyed being both a co-writer and mentor in many other genres as well.

Vocal production/vocal coaching
Do you want to maximize your life performance? Are you getting ready to go into the studio and record songs for the first time? Or are you a seasoned veteran but want to feel more prepared going into your session to get the most out of your time? Are you recording at home and just can’t seem to get a vocal take that you’re happy with? This is where I can come in!

I have been recording in studios since I was 18 years old, and have definitely learned a thing or two about what to do and what not to do and how to pull the best performance not only out of myself, but also out of others as a coach and producer! Unlike other vocal coaches who specialize in teaching technique and maybe even try to change the way you sing naturally, I specialize in working with your unique natural voice, and pulling more of it out of you!

I will work with you on getting past somatic (body based) blocks that might be getting in the way of your most authentic and powerful performance, and help you to explore different approaches to how to perform your songs, all while having tons of fun!  

Stage performance
I’m here to pass along all of my 20 years of international performance experience, so that you can offer engaging and memorable performances no matter if you’re solo or with a full band, playing a house concert or playing a stadium show!

What makes your lessons unique?

No matter what I am teaching, my goal is always for it to be student led. I will meet you where you’re at, and help you identify and achieve your goals in a way and at a pace that feels good to you leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and pride! 

What do you love about teaching?

My favourite thing about teaching is simply being a part of someone’s musical journey. Whether it is for a few weeks or for years, it is such an honour to be able to share my love of music with others, and to see how music enriches the lives of everyone it touches. I love teaching all levels from brand new beginners, to doing coaching sessions with seasoned veterans who want to enhance their skills or learn something that I happen to specialize in. I always feel like I get just as much out of teaching as the student does. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking music lessons?

Music is for everyone! And now is as good a time as any! Whether you have a 6 year old kiddo who has expressed interest, or you’re a 60 year old (or older!) kiddo who has always wanted to, I highly encourage you to come give it a try!