Violin with Natalie F.

Violinist Natalie Frakes is an experienced performer and educator and believes deeply in using music as a vehicle for social change. Natalie graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Wayne State University in Detroit. In addition to performing, she continues to be an active advocate for musical education in underserved areas. Natalie is a versatile violinist who enjoys playing an eclectic mix of genres and styles. She has performed with Detroit's most talented musicians and current artists (Josh Groban, 2Cellos, Michael Bublé, Kygo, Evanescence, Lindsey Stirling, Disturbed, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Sarah McLachlan, Michael Bolton, Aretha Franklin Orchestra, Jonsi and Alex) at major venues including DTE Energy Theater, The Palace, Little Caesar's Arena, the Masonic Temple, the Fox Theater, Van Andel Arena, and more. A passionate educator, Natalie has served as a teaching artist and conductor in a number of programs. She was Director of Orchestras for Oxford Community Schools and other experiences include positions with numerous community arts programs including Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Youth Ensembles and MSU Community Music School-Detroit. She has been a teaching artist with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's El-Sistema-inspired OrchKids, Costa Rica's Sistema de Nacional Educácion Musical. Natalie currently works with Accent Pontiac, the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony, the Sphinx Overture program, and teaches music production and choir at Detroit Health + Technology High School.