Soprano Natalie Young has made her mark as a versatile performer for professional companies in the United States and abroad, and has recently taken on the role of Artistic Director for Heartland Sings in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she has sharpened her skills as conductor and arts administrator. Natalie is motivated by Heartland Sings’ mission of changing lives through song and endeavors to do so through her teaching, performing, and artistic vision. She is passionate about partnering with other non-profit organizations to use music as a medium to discuss difficult issues, and she believes in “art for life’s sake” rather than “art for art’s sake”.

Principal opera roles include: Della (The Gift of the Magi, First Pres Theater), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi, Purdue Fort Wayne Lyric Stage), Sister Angelica (The Three Hermits, Heartland Sings), Micaëla & Frasquita (Carmen, Leonhardi Ensemble/Munich), Adina (L’Elisir d’Amore, Opera Naples), Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute, Lawrence Opera Theatre), Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance, Opera in the Ozarks)

Oratorio solo credits: St. John Passion (Bach), Mass in Blue (Todd), Stabat Mater (Pergolesi), Song of the Shulamite (McCullough), Requiem (Mozart), Messiah (Handel), Requiem (Brahms), Dixit Dominus (Handel), Messe Basse (Fauré)

A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Ms. Young maintains an active voice studio and is passionate about helping singers develop vocally while studying classical, musical theatre, and contemporary repertoire. She often serves as a clinician for master classes, teaches vocal workshops, and adjudicates vocal competitions.

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance from Belmont University and a Master of Music Degree in Voice Performance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Teaching Philosophy

My goal as a voice teacher is to help students unlock their vocal potential – to be the best singer they can be. I want to increase students’ appreciation for music by exposing them to new repertoire and provide students with performance opportunities. I hope students feel freedom to express themselves through the music they sing while relying on a solid foundation of vocal technique, basic music theory, and music reading skills that will last a lifetime.