Biography
Natalie Frakes is a Detroit born and bred musician and educator who believes deeply in using music as a vehicle for social change. Ms. Frakes is currently Director of Orchestras at Niles West High School. She holds her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and her Master’s in Music Education from Longy School of Music at Bard College.
Ms. Frakes is a passionate educator, conductor, and teaching artist who believes in music as a vehicle for social change. Drawing on her extensive experience in public schools and El Sistema-inspired programs, she creates high-quality, student-centered experiences that honor identity, creativity, voice, and empowerment through the arts. She previously served as Director of Orchestras for Oxford Community Schools and has worked with organizations including Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Sphinx Organization’s Overture Program, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles, Aspen Music Festival and School, Academy for Impact through Music, Global Leaders Institute, Peabody Innovative Music Academy, Accent Pontiac, and the Baltimore Symphony’s OrchKids.
When she’s not teaching, she keeps busy performing and recording for current artists such as Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Rosalía, Christina Aguilera, Ed Sheeran, Laufey, and more. She also performs often with her best friends in their string quartet, Six Mile Strings.