Instrument: Cello
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2020-2022
Natalie Spehar has made her mark as a genre-bending electric and acoustic cellist, writer, arranger, and creative educator. Recognized for her versatile skill set, Spehar has performed live with artists including Disturbed, Cage the Elephant, 2 Cellos, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, Dessa, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bolton, Il Volo, Michael Bublé, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Spehar is also an active composer and studio recording artist whose playing appears in the soundtrack for the motion picture Decoding Annie Parker, as well as the television documentary Through the Eye of the Needle and the award-winning animated short film Test Anxiety, for which she composed and recorded the original score.
Spehar is a graduate of Eastman School of Music and the University of Maryland and has traveled to perform & lecture on her work in string performance with electronics at universities across the United States. Her “ALT-C” Alternative-genre private lesson and workshop options are available online worldwide.
More About Natalie Spehar
Hometown: North Canton, OH
Why the arts matter: The arts create beautiful opportunities to be present and connect with others in a compassionate way. Learning to listen and embrace each other’s contributions (music, art and otherwise) is a hugely rewarding human experience.
Favorite things to do in the Rochester area: Get some sun at Ontario Beach Park, grab a coffee a Java’s downtown, and shop at the Rochester Public Market!
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: remote recording/collaborating from my home studio or out taking a nature walk with my wife and yorkie
My favorite local restaurant: Lento
Favorite place(s) to travel: Dublin, Ireland, and St. Pete Beach, FL :)
Favorite style of music: Tie between contemporary classical & progressive metal
What people would be surprised to know about me: I am an excellent polka dancer, a life-long WWE fan, and have toured/recorded (cello) with multiple metal bands :) (surprise!!!!)