Accomplished pianist opens music school in Pocatello
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POCATELLO — The dream of Pocatello businesswoman, accomplished pianist and music teacher Natalia Lauk has come to fruition with the recent opening of the high-end music school and recital hall Kind Conservatory.
In the heart of old town at 412 W. Center Street (across from Lookout Point) in the Marshall Building, which formerly housed KeyBank, the school offers piano, voice, violin, viola and cello lessons.
“I had this idea for a professional music school in Pocatello. I want to enhance amateur musicians with the opportunity to learn from highly advanced teachers. Scholarship opportunities are also available for those who have started their musical journey,” Lauk said.
Additionally, Kind Conservatory offers a spacious musical recital room for rent.
“The venue seats 100 and is available for teachers or anyone who needs it to hold their music recital, whether they are a part of Kind Conservatory or not. Performing promotes growth. We want to make it possible for more students to perform in public,” Lauk said.
Lauk, who was born and raised in Siberia, Russia, started playing piano at the age of 4. She received a degree in piano performance, piano pedagogy and collaborative piano at Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts in Russia.
Lauk moved to Pocatello in 2011, giving private piano lessons. She joined Idaho State University’s Music Department, serving as collaborative pianist, assistant director and senior piano instructor at the ISU Preparatory Piano Program.
Besides performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and other famous stages, Lauk is a crowd favorite at ISU’s Stephens Performing Arts Center, whether performing solo, with the Idaho State Civic Symphony or ISU Concert Band. Her solo recitals have raised thousands of dollars for ISU music scholarships.
With students aged 4 to 80, Lauk’s commitment to music, her students, and her business is evident.
“While we focus on youth, we accept students of all ages. It’s never too late to follow your dream,” Lauk said.
As the founder of Kind Conservatory, Lauk is quick to praise the many people who shared her vision and got her to this point.
Among those, Lauk credits Pocatello businessman Denis Clijsters for obtaining the location for the Kind Conservatory. Clijsters is the visionary behind many renovations in Pocatello, including Station Square, Fargo Apartments, and the Valentine Building.
“We are adding to the appeal of the city with the addition of Kind Conservatory in old town Pocatello,” she said. “We have great parking here across from Lookout Point and the Marshall Public Library.”
Lauk also recognized Dakota Worrell and Hannah Green for financial and strategic support and Douglas Brown Piano Gallery Music Superstore for offering discounts to the school and its students.
With the addition of accomplished opera singer Jordan Bowman as a voice instructor, Lauk seeks to add more music teachers with advanced degrees.
The conservatory also seeks donations of gently used and well-maintained pianos and other musical instruments.
“We look forward to bringing more musical talent to Pocatello and introducing people to classical music,” said Lauk. “Classical music is a hoot if you know how to enjoy and appreciate it.”
For more information, go to Kind Conservatory or call (208) 405-2007.