Oboist Nora Palmieri was born in Barre, Massachusetts. She attended Quabbin Regional High School and was chosen to play oboe for Central Region Band and Orchestra for four years, All State Regional Band and Orchestra for three years, and the All New England Band and Orchestra for four years. She also played in the Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble for six years and with the Quabbin Community Band. As a senior she was picked to play in the McDonald's All American Band and marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and in the Tournament of Roses parade in California. The group also played in Carnegie Hall.
Subsequently she graduated from Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, majoring in oboe performance and studying with Bert Lucarelli. She is also proficient on the piano.
In 1981 Nora and her husband Paul moved to New Jersey, and she joined the Summit Symphony that same year. She is the resident oboist with Our Lady of Peace Church and St. Rose of Lima Church. 
As a free-lance musician she has also played with the Plainfield Symphony and the Livingston Symphony. With flutist Rita Earle and harpist Merynda Adams, Nora is a member of the Rose Trio which performs at weddings and many other functions.
Nora and Paul live in New Providence with their two children Daniel and Anna Rose.