Raelene Bly

I began piano lessons at the age of five. Music quickly became a place where I could express myself in ways words never could.

At twelve, after a difficult stage performance, I became overwhelmed with stage fright and walked away from formal lessons. Although I stopped playing publicly, I never stopped improvising. Music remained a constant companion, and the piano became a place where I could explore emotion, creativity, and my own musical ideas.

At twenty-five, I returned to classical piano study at the University of Lethbridge and completed my exams through the Royal Conservatory of Canada and soon after began teaching piano.

Through motherhood and teaching, music became an important part of my life, and while pregnant with my second child, I wrote my first piece of music. Over the years I continued playing and composing, although there were also long stretches when music became quiter in my life.

Recently, I have found my way back to composing again. I returned first to the piano and then discovered the RAV Vast and handpan. These new instruments opened up an entirely different way of making music for me.

I have always been drawn to music that makes me feel something. I love the way a simple melody can hold so much emotion, and how the quietest moments can sometimes say the most. When I compose, I try to begin with that feeling and let the music grow from there.

Much of what I write comes from simply sitting down at my instrument and playing, getting lost in the sound and letting myself drift into whatever mood begins to emerge.  Sometimes an improvisation stays just that, and sometimes it becomes the beginning of something more.

My music moves between piano, and my RAV Vast, but the feeling behind it is much the same.
Quiet, emotional music with space to breathe. 
Music that I hope gives someone a moment to slow down, listen, and perhaps feel something of their own.

I'm glad you found your way here.

Raelene🤍