Natalia began piano lessons at an early age in her native Romania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in piano performance at the West University of Timisoara in Romania, where she studied with the renowned Romanian pianist Sorin Dogariu. In 2005 she began teaching and accompanying for students at the Art High-School “Sabin Dragoi” of Arad, an intensive music program for students pursuing careers as musicians. Her students participated in many recitals and won prizes at national and international competitions. Natalia desired to further develop her musical career, as well as to experience new cultures of the world, and decided to continue her musical studies in the United States. In 2008, she entered graduate school at Eastern Illinois University, where she completed her master’s degree in piano performance, studying with Dr. Susan Teicher.

 

Natalia has lived in Chicago since May 2010. She is an active musician and performs often in a duo ensemble with her husband, Alin, a violinist. Her main passion is teaching and sharing the gift of music with younger generations, however, and she has built a studio of dedicated private students to whom she directs most of her focus and energy. Prior to opening Northside Music Academy with her husband, Natalia taught at the British School of Chicago (2011-2017), Solo Classic (2013-2016), and Chicago School of Music (2013-2014).