“The Empowered Flutist has always been about more than flute—it’s about discovering your unique artistry, your voice, and your rhythm on your own terms. As a seasoned teaching artist with over 28 years of performance and teaching, I guide students in a personalized, soulful learning process that honors the whole person—not just the musician. This is a space where authenticity matters more than perfection, and growth is as individual as you are.”
Artistry meets authenticity.
Discipline meets joy.
Where your voice comes to life.
For over 28 years, Natalie Haworth-Liu has mentored some of the most talented and dedicated young flutists in Silicon Valley.
A passionate and intuitive teaching artist, Natalie blends technical mastery with deep personal connection, creating a space where students not only thrive musically but grow as confident, authentic individuals.
Her teaching style balances high expectations with warmth, fun, and flexibility. Students often study with her for many years, developing a lasting bond and staying in touch long after graduation.
While Natalie thoroughly prepares students in flute fundamentals and a wide-ranging repertoire, what truly sets her apart is her whole-student approach. She weaves mindset coaching, confidence-building, and emotional awareness into each lesson—helping students develop not just as musicians, but as resilient, expressive people ready to face life with strength and grace.
As an active performer who lives what she teaches, Natalie brings authenticity and real-life experience to every interaction. She models the very practices she instills in her students: presence, creativity, resilience, and a deep respect for the personal nature of the artistic journey.
Natalie’s students have accomplished remarkable things: winning concerto competitions, holding principal chairs in top youth orchestras, earning all-state and county honors (including “First Chair”), receiving command performance ratings, and securing scholarships to prestigious summer festivals and university programs. Many have gone on to careers as performers, educators, and creatives.
But what matters most is not the résumé—it’s the transformational self-discovery that unfolds in the process. At the heart of each student’s journey is a meaningful, lasting partnership built on trust, presence, and personal growth. Natalie’s greatest pride is witnessing her students become not just skilled musicians, but expressive, grounded individuals who know their worth and voice—both on and off the stage.
More than flute lessons.
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Jean Y. - Parent
Natalie helped my daughter develop her love of music from an early age and has been such a positive influence. She has a wonderful rapport with kids and has the ability to motivate them through encouragement and setting appropriate expectations rather than fear. At Natalie’s suggestion, my daughter joined a youth symphony. As she progressed, I greatly appreciated Natalie's effort to ensure she was ready for her auditions - reviewing her music, highlighting what she needed to focus on - and even attending some of the concerts!
Now in college, my daughter received a scholarship to study flute!
One of the other parents in my daughter’s youth symphony asked about Natalie because she was impressed with my daughter’s playing. Her daughter is now studying with Natalie, and she has noticed a big improvement - they love her! Natalie is a fantastic teacher and adored by her students, who come back to her for lessons when they can, even after high school!
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Leah L. - Parent
Through her flute lessons with Natalie, not only did our daughter increase her skills as a flutist, she gained confidence, organizational skills, and persistence that served her well in her academics and other extra-curricular interests. She credits her impact on her school's band program and Track & Field team on what she learned as a flute student under Natalie's coaching. Natalie sets a high standard for her students, AND she makes it fun. Our daughter looked forward to lessons each week. Her studio attracts wonderful and talented students, and you will learn from and be inspired by them as well.
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Anastasia S. - Student
Ms.Natalie is an extremely amazing and patient teacher that makes taking lessons fun.
She always knows the perfect thing to say to help me understand something.
She inspires me greatly, and I look forward to my weekly lessons.
Flute lessons allow me to grow confidence in my abilities, and I've learned to not be as afraid of messing up as I used to be. As a musician, I have learned to appreciate and enjoy all types of music.
Taking lessons has taught me to be dedicated and motivated, which helps me in all aspects of my life. Playing the flute is one of my favorite things, putting me in a good mood every time I play.
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Kayla C. - Student
My flute lessons with Ms. Natalie have taught me patience and persistence. Not only has her advice helped me gain a better understanding of how to interpret music, but it has trained my ear and helped me become a more skillful flutist.
I use what I learn with Ms. Natalie in my academics as well. My flute lessons encourage me to strive to learn more and achieve the best that I am capable of…She teaches flute lessons with the perfect balance of challenge and fun, and I always leave eager to learn the new music. Most importantly, Ms. Natalie taught me that you grow when you put yourself out of your comfort zone.
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Sabrina W. - Student
Ms. Natalie is very good at what she does. She challenges you just the right amount and makes you feel motivated to practice. She is also very funny and can talk about things that are not just flute.
I have gotten better at diligently practicing as well as being more patient with myself when I can’t play something right. I have something to work on and be proud of.
