Noriko Yamanaka

Noriko is a passionate Japanese language teacher with over 28 years of experience working with adults and children.
Noriko has spent the last 20 years teaching young children. During this time, she discovered the Orff Approach, a powerful creative tool to unleash a student’s full potential.

She has completed Orff Levels 1-3 and continues her professional development in this field by attending various Orff workshops and courses, including the Salzburg Orff Summer International Course, Slovakia Orff Summer International Course and International Orff-Schulwerk Forum Salzburg.

In collaboration with music teacher Michele Ellis, Noriko has developed a range of educational tools that have been incorporated into school events and projects.

Noriko collaborated on two STEAM programs based on Japanese cultural events: Star Festival Tanabata and Children’s Day Celebration Kodomo no Hi. One of Noriko’s career highlights was working with Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum as a Tanabata storyteller during the summer school holiday period.

In addition to being a passionate teacher, she is also a member of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, plays the violin for North Sydney Orchestra, and performs in musicals and operas. She has a passion for stage work and finds that this experience enhances her ability to arrange major collaborative works.