THE FINAL NOTE
By Brian Berk The Music & Sound Retailer: Who was your greatest influence or mentor and why? Natalie Morrison: I’m fortunate enough to have surrounded myself with some incredible mentors. If I had to choose, I have to say, my parents. I’ve learned a lot from my mother through her patience and passion when teaching music to elementary students, but she’s also shown me a love of music and how much of an impact it can have. I grew up in the music industry, thanks to my father. His drive and passion for music and arts education are truly remarkable, and I’m proud to have him guide me as I follow in his footsteps.
Natalie Morrison
PR Strategist, D’Addario & Co.
The Retailer: What was the best advice you ever received? Morrison: I have two things that I tr y really hard to live by: Be ready for anything and never give up.
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The Retailer: What was your first experience with a musical instrument? Morrison: My parents introduced me to the piano when I was five. When fourth grade came around and all the students got to pick their instruments, I was dying to play the violin. I don’t know why, because no one in my family plays a string instrument. I switched to the viola when I was entering high school and went on to minor in music at Ithaca College. In my free time, I enjoy singing, and I’m a self-taught guitarist. The Retailer: What instrument do you most enjoy playing? Morrison: I don’t think I can answer that because I love them all and enjoy playing them for different reasons. Unfortunately, due to an injury in high school, the viola has always been a bit more challenging to play. But there is nothing more beautiful than playing some of the greatest music in an orchestra, in some of the greatest concert halls around the world. (continued on page 45) MARCH 2021