... and thank you for visiting my web site! My name is Nora Kaminski, and I'm an acoustic singer-songwriter from the western suburbs of Rochester, NY. I grew up with a passion for music, as I always listened to my father, Tom, play his accordion, guitar, or piano, and sing to my brother and sister and I when we couldn't fall asleep. I took up the violin at an Elementary age and I've kept up with it ever since.

I studied at the Hochstein School of Music from when I had first started the violin. I later joined the orchestras, and eventually gained enough experience to participate in the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra, in which I was able to travel with to France in 2004, and Germany and the Czech Republic in 2006. In this orchestra I gained the skills of quick sight reading and good musicianship. I started voice at Hochstein in January 2004.

When I was 15, I met a musician named Matt Cross, who invited me to participate in an open mic night at Daily Perks Coffee House. My Dad and I quickly became Coffee House stars because of our infamous performance of "Baba O'Riley" by the Who. A few months later I became Matt's handy-dandy violinist and even started singing back-up for him. In December 2004, I decided to take up guitar so I could write my own songs. After playing my heart out everywhere and to everyone I could, I gained a lot of technique and style. I'm highly influenced by the people around me. Most of my songs are observational pieces, and my thoughts of what I see. When I got enough material, I started playing my own shows at Coffee Houses all around Rochester and around the suburbs of Rochester.

My influences include Moxy Fruvous, Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Madeleine Peyroux, Fiona Apple, Sublime, Reel Big Fish, many local artists and friends, authors, and travel. Anything that makes me think, makes me write.

I'm now at SUNY Fredonia, experiencing life as a College Student and hopefully furthering my musical abilities through study and practice. I hope to someday share my love of music with whomever is willing to listen, whether I am a teacher or friend. Wish me luck!

I released my first ever Album on 1 April 2006. It is entitled "My Time to Shine". Please buy my CD and show your support for my hobby and passion.