Natalie G
5.0
(6)
Instruments: Piano, Flute
Styles: Classical, Marching Band
Natalie G
5.0
(6)
Instruments: Piano, Flute
Styles:
Classical, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 4-80
Northwestern University, Bienen School of Music Scholarship
University of Tennessee, Knoxville Presser Scholar
US Air Force Band of Mid-America Audition winner
Scruffy City Orchestra Concerto Competition winner
I am a passionate and experienced instructor who loves working with students of all ages and skill levels. I live in Nashville, TN and am available to teach flute and beginner piano lessons. I received my Masters in Music Performance from Northwestern University in 2021 studying flute under Professors John Thorne, Jennifer Gunn, and Alyce Johnson. I was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra during my time there, and I also participated in many chamber groups and worked as a Graduate Assistant to the Contemporary Music Ensemble. I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2019 studying flute under Dr. Shelley Binder. There, I double majored in Flute Performance and Musicology. I also minored in Music Business, and Entomology and Plant Pathology. I am a Presser Scholar and was a member of the UT Chancellor’s Honors Program and a Student Ambassador for the University of Tennessee School of Music. I have performed in masterclasses for many artists, including Paula Robison, Bonita Boyd, Walfrid Kujala, Jim Walker, Marina Piccinini, and Denis Bouriakov. In 2019, I attended the Brevard Music Institute on full scholarship as a Resident Assistant. I also won the 2018 Scruffy City Orchestra Concerto Competition and was chosen as a finalist in the University of Tennessee Concerto Competition in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In addition to solo playing, I have professional experience performing in bands and orchestras. I was a member of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America from 2021-2022 and was a regular substitute Flute/Piccolo with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2019. I truly love teaching and have worked with students of all ages. By combining my love for music and for teaching students, I hope to have a positive impact on many young musicians in the future.
I began teaching over 5 years ago during my time in college. Teaching flute comes naturally to me, and I always find myself looking forward to lessons with my students. I have taught high school and middle school students of all ages, and even adults who were looking to pick up the flute after retirement. I love when my students come back each week showing improvement and asking questions about particular things they notice in their playing. This shows me that I have sparked their curiosity and true learning is taking place. Nothing brings me more joy than when my students show enthusiasm for music and improvement in their playing.
I typically structure my lessons based on each individual student and their level of commitment. Some of my students want to go to college for music performance, and others just want to sound better in their school's band. I take that into account when choosing particular warmups and repertoire. I always begin my lessons with a few duets with my students. This helps strengthen the student's sight reading skills and it also gives them a chance to hear me play. You can't improve on your instrument unless you know what beautiful tone and technique sound like, so these duets allow me to be an example for my students. Next, we work on the assigned technique work (scales, long tones, arpeggios, etc) and finish the lesson with any assigned solo repertoire.
My teaching style focuses on a student's strengths and successes. Any time a student has an "a ha!" moment, we stop and dissect what exactly happened. Perhaps the student used a new lip placement or air angle? We talk about this and figure out what they did to improve. Next, I encourage that same type of change in other aspects of their playing. I believe you cannot get better at an instrument by focusing on what you do wrong. Instead, you must focus on what you do right and carry that over to every other area of your playing.
Susan B
Natalie is a wonderful flute player and instructor. I loved working with her and taking lessons. I took lessons for about a year and saw big improvement immediately. She is great at problem solving and pointing out exactly what needs to change to fix a problem. I would recommend her to people of all ages
Jeanette
Natalie is so easy to work with and she was able to zero in on how to improve my tone and volume control. She gave me several ideas and practice techniques that I have never heard of and I got pretty good results right away! She is an excellent flute teacher and an amazing flute player!
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.