Natalie DePergola (b.1999) is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and music instructor based in Tampa, Florida. Natalie currently teaches private drum set lessons at Tampa Music School and Brandon Music Showcase, inspiring young drummers to express themselves and find their passion.

Invited annually to speak and play for The Great American Teach In, Natalie has recurrent speaking engagements and organizes workshops and drum clinics within her local community. Natalie is a full-time freelance musician in Central Florida. With deep roots in funk, rock, and jazz fusion her strengths include a magnetic approach towards collaboration with musicians and songwriters, actively performing and recording with local and national artists.

Natalie can be heard on her most recent single called “Like The Players Do” and with her band ‘Katara’ on all streaming platforms. She started playing drums at 6 years old and performing at age 9. Growing up on the West Coast of Florida Nat caught the attention of John Blackwell, known widely as the drummer for Prince, Justin Timberlake, & Pattie LaBelle. He quickly pulled her under his wing. Natalie studied with John from the age of 11-17 years old. John’s influence and mentorship has had a profound effect on how Nat plays today. At just 14 with the advice of many including Blackwell, Natalie entered and placed in the top 3 two years in a row in the global all female drum competition “Hit like a Girl” (HLAG ) in the under 18 category. It was at that time she got published in Drum Magazine and a few years later featured on “Gospel Chops” YouTube channel and “Modern Drummer’s” Blog. When John Blackwell passed away Drum Magazine published an article citing her as his final and last prodigy student. She is proud to endorse Ddrum, Zildjian, and Vic Firth.