| My Life Story
Hi, my name is Natalie and I'm currently 22 years old.
Originally of Armenian background, my grandparents and parents grew up in and have come from Iraq and Egypt, because they had to escape the Armenian genocide that took place during WWI.
My grandparents' decision to come to Australia gave my parents the opportunity to have a better education and life, far from the war-torn countries to which they were forced to escape. Absorbing the intrinsic and traditional belief of my family, taking advantage of every situation in order to succeed, has shaped me into the person I am today and has motivated me to successfully achieve all that I have and wish to, so far in my life. My interests in music were initially recognised by my mum. Since the age of 3, I loved listening to my uncle sing and play traditional Armenian music on his keyboard. Being instinctively inspired by my uncle, I would often sit at the keyboard and love to explore sound. My mother knew straightaway that my life's passion lay in Music, and so for my fifth birthday present, she organised my first piano tuition classes.
At school I was the kid known for my ability to play the piano. I performed at school at almost every formal and friendly request and occasion. However, at the start of high school, I started to have complete doubt in my interest and passion for music and piano. My mother soon realised that my reluctance to practice and be interested in music was gradually diminishing because I was influenced by my peer's lacking interest in learning their instruments, too. But, thankfully, (I now say!), she persisted with me continuing my studies in Music, and so I took her advice. It is then that I rediscovered a whole new world – an authentic, deep connection with and love of music. However at the same time my aspirations were shattered, particularly by my former piano tutor. When I asked for her guidance and help in preparing me for my audition for the most prestigious Musical High School – Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School – she did not support or believe in my potential to succeed in the audition. Because I was surrounded by such negativity I was extremely nervous on the day of my audition entry for Year 9. No matter how much I wanted to pass the audition, my dreams were chewed up and spat back at me by my former teacher as she never thought I could make it. And she was right – I was definitely unsuccessful, but only for that year.
The following year I decided to sit for the audition again. I took my mother's belief in me at heart and did not bother telling my former teacher my decision at all. So I embarked on the journey of preparing for the audition on my own. I researched all the requirements and did the best I could, considering the limited understanding and maturity I had, to sit for the audition entry of Year 10. I also competed in several MacDonald's Performing Arts Challenges and local Eisteddfods in preparation for the big audition. Transforming all the negative emotions that were surrounding me into positive ones, I re-entered the audition room feeling ever so confident because I had complete self-belief in my preparation and an attitude that, whatever the outcome, I would humbly accept it with genuine gratitude. The result? Complete success! As an amateur musician, receiving the finest music education in performance, composition and musicology, at the age of 15, was just the start of the realisation of my dreams.
My passion for music and willingness to succeed was deeply fostered by my current and beloved piano teacher, whom I also regard as a life mentor. As a musician, my aspirations developed in the direction of becoming a composer, particularly in film music scoring. After chasing after my passion in music composition, I grew to realise that there was more I could give to others in return for my gain of passion in music. A new idea was introduced to me by my piano teacher – to become a school Music teacher. I now use my skills in performance, composition and knowledge of Music to inspire students, create opportunities for them, and stimulate their self-belief in their Musical dreams. To date, I have achieved my Associate of Music Diploma in Piano (2007) and completed a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music (2010). At present I'm employed as a Music Teacher at Yamaha Music Education Centre where I teach various keyboard courses and bring the many joys of music to life for children aged 3 ½ - 8 years. I am also currently preparing for my Licentiate of Music Diploma in Piano and wish to attain my Masters in Music Therapy in the near future. Success is all in the mind; only a matter of perspective. But know that having faith is sweeter than success. In this way, you will not only succeed, but drive your passion through your faith and attain the conviction you need in order to achieve your dreams. In my case, it was simply a matter of self-belief, self-application, some lateral thinking and adapting yourself to life's unexpected challenges. So, discover your bearing, recognise your potential, develop your skills, and set yourself free to fly alongside your passions and dreams! |
