B. Mus. (UofT)
M. Ed. (OISE UofT) in-progress
Natalia is a pianist with many years of teaching and performance experience. Her teaching interests include, elementary music methods, multimodal approaches to learning and making music, and improvisation. Natalia has participated in the World Music Ensemble program at the University of Toronto where she performed with a Balinese Gamelan and Klezmer ensemble. She has also been involved with community music programs and has volunteered as a piano teacher at after-school children’s music programs.
Natalia received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto where she studied piano with Lynda Metelsky. Natalia is currently in her second year of the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She is also taking piano pedagogy lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Music and working towards getting a certificate in Elementary Piano Pedagogy.
Natalia believes in a flexible manner of instruction, and is attentive and responsive to each learner. Regardless of musical background, skill level, or artistic goal, she aims to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to explore their own connection to music. Natalia’s areas of specialty include piano, music history and theory, and the Orff Approach, which combines music, movement, speech, and drama.
Get to know Natalia…
Hobbies: Reading, embroidery, and colouring
Musical influences: Right now, I am listening to Bill Evans, Beethoven sonatas, and different Spanish composers like, Joaquín Turina (his chamber music) and Isaac Albéniz.
Favourite food: Schnitzel
Least favourite food: Grits?
Favourite music: Slovak folk music
Favourite song: Takin’ It to the Streets – The Doobie Brothers
Favourite movie: The Little Mermaid, Pulp Fiction, and The Sound of Music
Favourite movie music: The Sound of Music
Favourite musical theatre/opera: Saint François d’Assise – Olivier Messiaen
Best quote from your teacher: “Here’s your checklist: put the music first. And from now on, you need to lean back and check your right elbow looseness.”
Favourite quote: “Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky!” – Dr. Seuss, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Favourite book: “Green Grass, Running Water” – Thomas King
Best thing about teaching at ABC: The wonderful and talented students and teachers!