A close-up of a piano keyboard and handwritten composition by Jen Smith Lanthier

About Composer Jen Smith Lanthier

photo of Canadian composer and educator Jen Smith Lanthier
photo of Canadian composer and educator Jen Smith Lanthier

About Jen Smith Lanthier

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

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. Her compositions are available through Ocean Tails Music, Red Leaf Pianoworks, Sheet Music Direct, and Sheet Music Plus.

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.

Educator & Mentor

Jen has spent her career helping students of all ages and abilities grow into confident, accomplished musicians. Her teaching draws on her deep theoretical background and performance experience, creating a learning environment that is both rigorous 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 compositions, arrangements, and educational resources for piano students and teachers. The catalogue is built around one core belief: that well-crafted, pedagogically sound music makes better musicians.

Jen lives in Owen Sound with her husband, two children, and Goldendoodle named Rose, and draws daily inspiration from life on the shores of Georgian Bay.

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

Get inspired with my Free Ocean Tails Music Sampler!
Cover of Free Ocean Tails Music Ebook sampler by composer Jen Smith LanthierCover of Free Ocean Tails Music Ebook sampler by composer Jen Smith Lanthier

What People are Saying

Jen's eBook pieces are catchy and fun! The practice tips for each piece provide a helpful guide to playing these engaging compositions and arrangements

~ Beth

★★★★★

Browse Original Featured Piano Music