Wade Tarling is an award-winning Canadian pianist, musical director, composer, arranger, and recording artist based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. His career as a professional pianist has taken him across North America, South America, and Europe for more than two decades.
A graduate of Capilano University with both a Bachelor of Music and Jazz Diploma, Wade has studied with some of North America’s celebrated musicians, including John Medeski, Chris Wood, and Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin & Wood, as well as Grammy-nominated pianist Rachel Eckroth. His diverse musical background spans jazz, folk, rock, pop, and contemporary instrumental music.
Wade is best known for his work as pianist and musical director with the JUNO Award–winning trio The Ennis Sisters, with whom he has toured extensively across Canada and internationally. Based in St. John’s, he also performs regularly with Dana Parsons and has toured widely with Alan Doyle, performing on major stages, festivals, and national broadcasts. His work with The Ennis Sisters combines piano, bass, arranging, and musical direction, contributing to the group’s distinctive blend of Newfoundland folk and contemporary songwriting.
As a recording artist, Wade has released multiple albums of original music with the award-winning group Hip Waders, as well as solo piano albums including Strength and the award-winning Winter Songs. His latest album, Shoreline Sounds, transforms landscapes, travel, and personal experiences into vivid instrumental musical journeys.
Wade is also an experienced piano and accordion teacher in St. John’s, offering lessons to teens and adults in piano, music theory, technique, improvisation, jazz, pop, folk, and contemporary music. His teaching combines strong musical foundations with a creative, supportive approach designed to help students become confident and independent musicians.
Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, directing a touring band, composing original music, or teaching the next generation of musicians, Wade Tarling brings decades of professional experience and a lifelong passion for music to everything he does.
