Natalie | Teacher #3382
About Natalie
Natalie brings a wealth of musical knowledge and experience to her piano and theory instruction. With degrees from prestigious institutions like McMaster University and the University of Western Ontario, she offers advanced training in music theory and performance. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes joy and musicality, fostering a supportive and fun learning environment for students of all ages and levels. Offering online lessons and instruction from her studio, Natalie's passion for music shines through in her dedication to helping students explore their talents and reach their musical potential.
Piano Ear Training Music History Counterpoint Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Theory (Advanced) RCM - Analysis RCM - Counterpoint RCM - History RCM - Advanced Harmony RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Classical Jazz Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
The study of music goes far beyond just musical learning; it is made up of several elements and has its influence on, among other things, mathematical understanding and spatial reasoning. Music is the element that has had the most profound influence on my life ever since I was a young child. It is a great joy, and it is this joy that I want to share with students of all ages and levels of learning. In general, I focus on musicality, such as phrasing and the goals of musical lines. I combine this with technical elements, basic theory (if it is helpful in certain situations) and the introduction of the five basic motion patterns that make up piano technique. I pace myself along with the student and introduce these elements only when the student is ready. I also always work in the element of fun, to avoid stress or nervousness. Not only is this a more enjoyable way to learn, but it is also a quicker path through the learning process.
Musical Education
I have my ARCT (Royal Conservatory of Toronto) and LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College of London), both in piano performance, finishing these while I was in high school. I earned my Bachelor of Music (performance, history, theory) from McMaster University, where my piano professor was the British concert pianist Valerie Tryon. I earned my Master of Music (theory) at the University of Western Ontario. After several years of private piano teaching I returned to university, this time in England, to do postgraduate research. I earned my MPhil degree there from the University of Surrey.
Awards and Distinctions
-Kiwanis music festival silver medal for piano performance -RCT Grade 8 "Summa Cum Laude" -Scholarship for McMaster University -Scholarship for University of Western Ontario -Teaching Assistant, University of Western Ontario -Teaching Assistant, University of Surrey, UK
Special Skills and Trainings
I have had many opportunities to work in different areas of music; most recently, I have been the accompanist (and occasional soprano!) for the Halton Regional Police Chorus since 2017, which is in southern Ontario. We perform two main concerts per season, and we are also involved in two memorial ceremonies, the provincial memorial in Toronto, and the national memorial in Ottawa. We honour the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. I have been an accompanist for soloists (students and professionals) and chamber ensembles for many years. I continue to study theory and have written articles for music societies' newsletters. I have greatly enjoyed university-level teaching as a theory instructor, having been awarded two teaching assistantships, one at Western and the other at Surrey. I taught first-year harmony, counterpoint and analysis. This has been a great help to me as a piano instructor, since understanding theory has far-reaching effects on mastering music, whether it's musical understanding, or methods to improve memorization, for example.
Lessons in a music studio
Natalie offers lessons from her studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Natalie can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Natalie is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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