Helping children become confident, expressive and genuinely musical — through learning that is joyful, creative and rooted in connection.
Natalie Hiong is a music educator, curriculum creator and the Founder & Creative Director of Creative Hearts – Centre for Performing Arts in Singapore.
With a background spanning piano, singing, songwriting, early-childhood music and professional performance, Natalie’s work sits at the intersection of musicianship, creativity and performance.
Her approach is influenced by Dalcroze, Kodály and Orff-inspired principles, with an emphasis on learning through movement, listening, singing, play, improvisation and creativity before connecting these experiences to notation and technique.
She believes music education should be joyful, imaginative and heartfelt — giving children the space to explore, create and express themselves while still building strong musical foundations.
The goal is not simply to produce children who can play pieces.
It is to develop children who can hear music, understand it, create it and express themselves through it.
FROM MUSICIAN TO PERFORMER
Natalie’s experience as a singer-songwriter, composer and performer also shapes the way she teaches older children.
Alongside technique, she places strong emphasis on expression, storytelling, confidence and stage presence, helping young musicians become not just more skilled, but more engaging and expressive performers.
This philosophy now shapes the artistic and educational direction of Creative Hearts and its programmes in music and performance.
FOUNDER OF CREATIVE HEARTS
Natalie founded Creative Hearts – Centre for Performing Arts in 2018 to create a musical environment that is nurturing but rigorous, playful but purposeful, and creative while still building strong foundations.
At its heart is a simple belief: children learn best when they enjoy the process, feel safe to create, and are encouraged to make music from the heart.
Creative Hearts offers programmes in piano, singing, musicianship, musical theatre, songwriting and performance.
As Creative Director, Natalie develops curriculum, mentors teachers, directs performances and continues to evolve the school’s teaching approach.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Music (MMus), Songwriting — Bath Spa University
LLCM, Piano Performance
ALCM, Early Childhood Music Education
ALCM, Teaching (Piano)
Vocal-teaching training / IVA methodology
ABRSM Grade 8 Practical Musicianship
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano
ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory
Her teaching experience has included private and group teaching, international-school piano instruction, early-childhood music and movement, songwriting workshops, singing, Glee Club and Show Choir across Singapore and Hong Kong.
MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS & CREATIVE PROJECTS
Natalie is available selectively for:
Music educator workshops · Songwriting workshops · Vocal and performance masterclasses · Early-childhood music projects · Curriculum consultation · Children’s creative programmes
At the heart of her work is one belief:
Children are capable of far more creativity and musicianship than we sometimes give them credit for — especially when learning is joyful, purposeful and comes from the heart.
GALLERY
Music and Movement Classes for toddlers and children, Songwriting Workshops, Theory Lessons, Piano Lessons, Singing Lessons, Show Choir etc
TESTIMONIALS
“Natalie has an amazing ability to connect with and calm down my wild-child daughter Charli (6yo) enough to focus on learning the piano and vocals. In just a year, she's progressed so much. Charli loved going to Natalie's classes, which always went too quickly, and she always wanted more time! Natalie is a wonderful teacher with such energy, passion and grace. She's our favorite teacher that we will always remember and talk about. Thank you for inspiring Charli with your talent & passion.”
Fleur, Mother of Charli (aged 6)
"My daughter and I really loved our piano lessons with Natalie. She was able to adapt her style to cater to the needs and interests of both myself (a lapsed adult player) and my four year old (a complete beginner). She made a special connection with my daughter which made the learning fun. We see her replicating the skills in other areas of her play (for example tapping out the rhythm of words), and my daughter frequently takes herself to the piano to practice what she learnt. Natalie reignited my interest in piano through both classical learning styles and more modern approaches to playing the piano which has expanded my playing toolset and confidence."
Elizabeth - adult student, and Mother of Mira (aged 4)
“Natalie is a very happy, positive and caring teacher who is genuinely interested in improving Sabrina’s singing and vocal techniques. She makes singing lessons engaging and fun! Natalie has been a true inspiration and wonderful role model to my daughter as she herself is a talented singer/songwriter musician. I would highly recommend Natalie to any new student to music.”
Maisie, Mother of Sabrina (aged 9)
“Natalie is a brilliant music teacher. Our daughter loves her piano lessons, and looks forward to learning with Natalie each week. Natalie has limitless patience, enthusiasm and energy when dealing with young children, and she makes each lesson a fun experience".
Sophie - Mother of Juliette (aged 7)
"Natalie gave our daughter, Catriona, wonderful piano lessons. Thanks to Natalie’s excellent teaching and easy going communication Catriona made fantastic progress in playing ‘Easy’ by the Commodores and ABRSM Grade 1 exam pieces. A highly recommended piano teacher. Thank you Natalie."
Robert - Father of Catriona (aged 9)
“Natalie taught piano to my daughters, and they loved their lessons! They learnt so much in a fun but professional environment. They developed a passion for music thanks to Natalie’s patience and skill.”
Melanie - Mother of Amber and Anya (aged 7 and 10)