Business of the Month: Face Arts Music
Face Arts Music: A Deep River Hub for Lessons, Community, and Live Music
From first-time “munchkins” to returning adult musicians, Face Arts Music has been helping neighbors find their sound since 2000. The family-run studio also gives back through student performances and food-pantry fundraising that bring the w‑hole community together.
Face Arts Music is a family run studio that got its start in Rose and Frank Natter’s Deep River home in 2000, offering guitar, piano, and drum lessons. It did not take long for word to spread, and soon the growing business needed more room, not just for lessons, but to offer instrument and accessory sales as well. In 2005, Face Arts moved to 85 Main Street and became a go-to-spot for local musicians. Still, the Natters kept an eye out for a street level, easy to find location. When space became available at 448 Main in the summer of 2024, they rolled up their sleeves, renovated the building, and added a new performance area complete with a state-of-the-art sound system. With expanded instrument rentals, sales, and repair services, Face Arts has become a true one-stop shop for music in the community.
Each member of the Natter family brings a special talent to the studio. Frank Sr. teaches guitar. Frank Jr. and Hillyn teach a wide range of instruments, and Hillyn specializes in drums. Rose leads the Munchkin Program for children ages 3 to 5, introducing young students to the fundamentals of music through themed trips to Munchkin Land, Piano Land, and Band Land along with other opportunities to explore other instruments.
The Natters take real pride in their students and work to build confidence and a lasting love of music. They make a point to get to know each student’s interests and tailor individual lessons so they are fun, engaging, and low-pressure. According to Rose, “Seeing adults and children learn something about themselves and how much music can make a difference in their lives is so important to us. It is rewarding to see people come together through music. Every student learns differently. We teach to the students’ learning style. We want to inspire them, whether they are visual or auditory learners.”
Students come to Face Arts from Deep River and nearby towns, and you will find everyone from young beginners to adults picking up an instrument again. The studio will work with families on a month to month to help keep lessons within reach. And you do not have to take our word for it. As Kris Reaske, an adult guitar student shared, “These people are amazing.”
Lessons are only part of what Face Arts is known for. The Natters are active supporters of the local community and create opportunities for students to perform, including hosting Valley Night in May, a student music night organized through a Valley Regional High School senior. They also organize the annual Jams for Cans fundraiser, now in its 20th year. It is a true family effort with the entire Natter family donating their time and talent, while local bands pitch in to keep the music going. Admission to the event is ten or more non-perishable food items, or a monetary donation for the Deep River food pantry. The 2026 event raised over 1,663 lbs of food and almost $1200 in monetary donations.
The Natter’s are not finished yet. Future plans include a violin ensemble, youth and adult bands and possible an orchestra. Visit the facilities at 448 Main Street, Deep River and maybe Rose will let you try out the stand-up bass!
