Natalie Song, born in Austin, Texas, and raised in the Bay Area, California, is a freshman at Harker High School with a strong dedication to music and cultural expression. She began studying the flute in third grade and has performed in school bands and orchestras, developing a solid foundation in ensemble performance and musical discipline.
At age thirteen, she discovered the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument renowned for its expressive tonal range and historical significance. Captivated by its distinctive sound and cultural depth, Natalie has been studying advanced repertoire on the 25-string gayageum and performing at school and community events.
In this year, she competes in traditional music competitions, including the Korean Traditional Music & Art Festival, and won the 2025 American Protégé Music Talent Award. Through her continued study and performance, Natalie seeks to deepen her artistry and share the beauty of Korean traditional music with broader audiences.
Watch Natalie Dana Song perform The Wind and the River by Jun Ho Lee on the gayageum for the 2025 Global Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.