About

Canadian-made piano music for teachers and students.

Jen Smith Lanthier is a Canadian composer, arranger, music educator, and accompanist based in Owen Sound, Ontario — with more than two decades of teaching and over 100 published works.

Jen Smith Lanthier, founder of Ocean Tails Music

About Jen Smith Lanthier

Jen Smith Lanthier is a Canadian composer, arranger, music educator, and accompanist based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. With over two decades of experience and more than 100 published works, Jen brings a rare combination of academic credentials, performance expertise, and genuine pedagogical passion to everything she creates.

Education & Credentials

Jen holds a Music degree in Theory and Composition from Western University (London, Ontario), along with Associate and Licentiate degrees in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (RCM). She also holds a Licentiate in Piano Performance from the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music (CNCM). Jen is a retired RCM Registered Teacher and an active member of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations (CFMTA).

25+

Years teaching

100+

Published works

RCM

Licentiate

"Jen is an incredibly gifted piano teacher. [My daughter] is a perfectionist who gets easily frustrated, but Jen has instilled in her a real love of the piano. It seems she's always playing! We are so fortunate to have Jen in our midst. Thank you Jen, for sharing your love of music with us."
Brian, Ontario, Canada

Composer & Published Author

With over 100 published works to her name, Jen's catalogue spans original piano collections, ensemble pieces, and arrangements of classical, folk, and pop repertoire. Her distinctive series of melodic improvisation works has become a favourite among teachers looking for materials that develop creativity alongside technique. Collections such as Piano for The Planet, Cottage Country, and Ocean Tails demonstrate her appreciation and love for the natural world.

Jen approaches every composition with pedagogical value at the forefront — writing music that is engaging to play, practical to teach, and carefully graded to support student progress at every level. Her compositions are available through Ocean Tails Music, Red Leaf Pianoworks, Sheet Music Direct, and Sheet Music Plus, with numerous works listed in the Conservatory Canada Contemporary Repertoire Syllabus.

"My daughter has learned a variety of songs composed by Jen Smith Lanthier, and has performed them at local festivals. They are fun to learn and sound beautiful."
Nancy, Ontario, Canada
Jen Smith Lanthier playing the keyboard outdoors in a natural setting
Jen Smith Lanthier playing the keyboard outdoors in Monument Valley

Educator & Mentor

Jen has spent her career helping students of all ages and abilities grow into confident players who can enjoy the gift of music for life. Her teaching draws on her deep theoretical background and performance experience, creating a learning environment that is positive and encouraging.

"Jen is a caring and thoughtful music teacher who coaches and mentors students of all ages and abilities into accomplished and proud musicians."
Tim, Ontario, Canada

About Ocean Tails Music

Ocean Tails Music is Jen's independent publishing home, where she releases original Canadian compositions, arrangements, and educational resources for piano students and teachers. The catalogue is built around one core belief: that thoughtful, pedagogically sound music inspires the musician in all of us.

"Jen's dedication, professionalism, care, expertise, talent, creativity, warmth, and patience are so very much appreciated. Many, many thanks."
Tracy, Ontario, Canada

Jen has a deep appreciation for the natural world and enjoys discovering new places in which to find moments of wonder and awe. She has the privilege of living in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, two children, and Goldendoodle named Rose. She draws daily inspiration from quiet walks with Rose, coffees on the porch, and the ever-changing beauty of Georgian Bay.

Interested in coaching, workshops, or other services? Get in touch with Jen.

Want to play?

Start with the free sampler or browse the catalogue.