Natalie Coots, co-director of the Ithaca Suzuki Institute, began her Suzuki violin studies at age 7 in Manlius, New York, under the loving instruction of Nancy Fennessy. After 11 years of learning from Nancy, Natalie attended Ithaca College where she pursued a double Bachelor’s Degree of music education and violin performance, all with the intention of continuing onto her Master’s Degree at IC in Suzuki Pedagogy. Sanford Reuning and Carrie Reuning- Hummel were Natalie’s mentors throughout her Master’s Degree.
Before Natalie had her three sons, she had the opportunity to teach at the Greenwich Suzuki Academy (Greenwich, CT), the Hartt School Community Division (Hartford, CT) and Ithaca Talent Education (Ithaca, NY). Natalie has taught in workshops in Hartford, Fort Lauderdale, Delaware and New Zealand. She loves to teach in workshop and institute settings.
Natalie has recently begun her journey as Suzuki Cello Parent (completing the Suzuki triangle!) with her oldest son Teddy. She hopes to share the incomparable community, mentorship, friendship and musicianship that she received from her Suzuki upbringing with as many students and families as she can.