W O R K S H O P S & L E S S O N S
S e r v i c e s
Aside from creating new works, I'm passionate about teaching the next generation of composers. Please see below for my current services & accolades.
I'm pleased to have extensive experience in composing music theory, and aural skills. I lecture, tutor, and run workshops for students of all ages across NSW, and am currently the composer in residence at Loreto Normanhurst College where I've been for 8 years. I'm also a tutor at the Conservatorium High School.
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I've been privileged to work with schools such as Loreto, the Conservatorium High School, Northern Beaches Secondary College, PLC, and Balgowlah Boys, and can't wait to meet your students!
I offer engaging theoretical and aural exploration of music, detailed and encouraging feedback on students' work, and honest conversations about the life of a composer.
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Group Workshops: $250 p/hr. Full day $1200. Half day $600.
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Individual or Pair Lessons: $120 per hour.
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Discounts are available for ongoing sessions and other, so please do reach out.
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For inquiries or booking, please contact me through the contact page.
Join me to explore the world of composition and music theory!
With 3 degrees in Composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music including a PhD, and extensive HSC and tertiary teaching experience (including 15+ years as a piano teacher!), I am a core member of the Composition and Arts Music departments at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, USyd.
Whether you're a beginner or advanced student, I can help you bring your musical ideas to life.
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Lessons are 1-1.5 hours and conducted over Zoom, providing guidance in technical craftsmanship, expanding your musical horizons, offering constructive feedback, and bringing out your unique musical voice.
Invest in your musical journey with lessons at $150 per session. Discounts available for school-aged students, or for ongoing lessons.
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For inquiries or booking, please contact me through the contact page.
Over the years, I've helped many friends with advice as to how to get on top of the unspoken thing: money.
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If you know me well, you're probably familiar with my income spreadsheets, how-tos in creating a salary from ad-hoc income, methods for saving, and how much I "cost to run" (that one always brings laughs!).
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Money's a chat that's really tough for many of us (myself included), but especially so, for artists.
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Recently, a friend (possibly the 12th friend so far), suggested that I offer some guidance to whoever needs help in this space. I'm absolutely no financial advisor (disclaimer!), but I'm sure happy to help.
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I have an analytic mind, so bore me with those numbers! Let's chat on a zoom or grab a coffee & I can show you what's worked for me.
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To chat budgets, please contact me through the contact page.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Casey Allen, Head of Music PLC
PLC Sydney has repeatedly engaged Natalie Nicolas as an external marker for our Higher School Certificate compositions. She is a talented, well-organised, professional and articulate advocate for composition. Natalie takes immense pride in her work. She takes the time to understand the true intentions of each composition and applies her highly adept skillset when providing feedback. Natalie's comments have been invaluable to our students as they refine their work, striking the perfect balance of critical analysis and warm encouragement. Thank you Natalie for your expert guidance and for inspiring our girls!
Kathryn McGreal, Head of Music Loreto College
We were looking to demystify the art of composition for our students who where fearful of the process and not electing to engage with this area of music. Natalie joined our music team as the Composer in Residence three years ago and started working with our senior elective classes, and we immediately started to see improvement in skill and desire to compose in our students. Natalie transformed the composing experience, bringing to the classroom her breadth of experience as professional art music composer and her passion for performing contemporary genres. This enabled our students to voice ideas and to work confidently between both realms of music. Students and Staff have benefitted from her boundless energy, positivity, attention to detail and professionalism. She places her students at the centre of her practice and is continually working to improve the educational outcomes of young musicians.
Kim Irik, former Head of Music Loreto
Natalie has inspired our students with her creative and clever manipulation of their musical ideas. Her desire for excellence is evident in her organised approach and attention to detail in their score presentation. She is generous with her time and related in a highly professional manner with the Year 12 Composition students. Our girls were very fortunate to work with such a highly regarded composer.
Anonymous, USyd Student
Natalie is a fabulous teacher. She is really engaging, and it feels like she really cares about what we understand and need help with. I thought the content was very engaging and well taught, which is incredible when considering the class is all remote. Overall very interesting and I would recommend it.
PhD and Master's at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying composition for wellness and applications in healthcare
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Winner of the prestigious Australian National Composer’s Forum competition in 2013 with the ASQ and Andrew Ford
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Composer in the National Women Composers’ Development Program in 2016-2018, and recipient of the Doris Burnett fund scholarship 2016-2018
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Winner of a place in the 2017 Flinders Quartet composition initiative workshop & performance, Melbourne 2017, 2019 & winner of the prestigious Flinders Quartet ‘All That We Are’ residency
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Single on ARIA-nominated album for the Hush Foundation in 2019
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AMEB Piano grade 8 certified
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Winner of the Harold and Gwenneth Harris Endowment for Medical Humanities, Harris Award 2019/20 for Doctoral Studies
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