Hi! My name is Natalia, but you can call me Nat (she/her). I’m a singer and performer currently working in Philadelphia, but I’ve been an active singer since I was 13. I have worked in musicals, jazz, pop, and rock; thanks to that journey I realized my true calling was rock/pop music, but I am happy to help my students find their own musical journey. I started working in musicals in small community theaters in Mexico City, which is where I grew up, and went on to New York City when I was 19 where I attended the New York Film Academy for Musical Theater and SAE Institute of Technology for Audio Production. I moved to Philadelphia in 2019 to explore the music scene on a smaller scale and have been loving the accessibility of musicians here compared to bigger cities.

Although my career is in music, I don’t believe that all music needs to be capitalized. Music was made to be enjoyed, so let me help you sing at the top of your lungs! (safely!) So whether you’re trying to sing professionally, get ready for a musical, or just want to be the queen/king of karaoke night, I can help you get there.

When did you begin singing, and why?

I have always known I was a singer, but I didn’t truly start to sing until I was 12 or 13. I can’t explain the feeling too well, but the way I feel when I sing and perform is so empowering and gives me confidence that I don’t feel in my everyday life, and as a troubled kid, that was my escape. I had so many musical influences that oozed that confidence and I wanted to have it too.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I have toyed with guitar and piano, but like everyone who’s starting, I’m still learning and I struggle with them a bit. I use keys for my vocal lessons, so I am familiar with them.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My goal is to be a recording artist and tour with my band! I know, it’s ambitious. But like my mom used to say, “You already have the ‘no’, so what do you have to lose?”. I’d like to give people what my musical heroes gave me; inspiration, confidence, and a voice (both musical and inner voice).

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

Yes! I used to look at my vocal teacher like she was crazy when she would say “lift your soft palate”, I couldn’t understand what she meant and she explained it to me so many different ways, but at the end of the day, it was a muscle I needed to build. One day, outta nowhere, I was trying to belt a high note and I did what she said, and the note was not only a lot louder and stronger, but it felt like I was singing safely and it was so much more enjoyable.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

“Practice enough so that even at your worst, you are still really freaking good.”

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

I think with me having ADHD it’s challenging to learn anything new. The need to know how to play the instrument perfectly right away when it doesn’t come as easily as other things can be very frustrating. It’s funny because I advise my students to be patient and it’s the advice I should be taking too! We never stop learning or growing no matter how long we have been singing.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Starting my band was the biggest one, but my biggest musical achievement is what some may consider small. I wrote a song about a very personal event in my life that I have had a hard time facing, and to be able to put it on paper and perform it for others was a huge deal.

Favorite thing about teaching?

I think hearing my students tell me how they’ve gained confidence since starting lessons makes me so happy. Also, seeing how every person learns differently and takes information differently, so their craft ends up being unique to them.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

I know I sound like a broken record but number 1; singing safely! If you don’t think you can sing something without hurting yourself, don’t! And number 2; patience! You’ll sing that note and you’ll sing it safely, don’t worry. Just gotta keep practicing.

Personal music projects:

I’m in a Glam/Punk band called Night Fury, and I am a performer at Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary. I’ve got credits such as Cabaret, Rent and Grease as well.