School of Fine Arts

Natalie Floyd
Violin

Natalie Floyd teaches violin students of all ages and skill levels. She believes that learning to play a musical instrument helps develop self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment and an appreciation of music that can last a lifetime.

Ms. Floyd began studying the violin at age 4. From age 6 through 17, she played in the SMU Pre-College Conservatory and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. As a member of these orchestras, she was privileged to perform in three European tours. In addition to the European tours, the SMU Pre-College Conservatory was invited to the White House to perform for the White House Staff Christmas Party, and Ms. Floyd had the honor of being greeted by then-President George H. Bush, Barbara Bush and evangelist Billy Graham. Throughout middle school and high school she competed and won top positions in All-Region Orchestras and TMEA All-State Orchestras.

Ms. Floyd completed her bachelor of music degree in performance at the University of North Texas, and continued her graduate studies at Northwestern University. While in Chicago, she performed with the distinguished Civic Orchestra of Chicago where she had the opportunity to study orchestral playing under such conductors as Lorin Maazel and Charles Dutoit. In addition to these studies, Ms. Floyd participated in the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she studied opera repertoire and performed throughout Austria.

Ms. Floyd studied chamber music with Mathias Tacke of the Vermeer Quartet, and participated in a Master Class with the Pacifica Quartet. She is an avid enthusiast of chamber music and continues to perform in this capacity as her schedule allows.

Ms. Floyd currently performs with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, the orchestra at her home church, Prestonwood Baptist, chamber music groups, and plays for events and weddings throughout the Metroplex.

Ms. Floyd’s primary musical influences have been her two principal teachers, Blair Milton of the Chicago Symphony and Motoi Takeda, Associate Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony. Blair Milton studied with renowned pedagogues Josef Gingold and Ivan Galamian. Motoi Takeda studied with Oscar Shumsky and Leonid Kogan. Ms. Floyd is honored to continue the traditional teachings of these great violinists.

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