Kristi Monte, Violin Teacher

Hi there! My name is Kristi Monte and I am a 22 year old violinist brand new to Nashville! In May of 2018 graduated from James Madison University with my Bachelor's degree in Music Education. I have been playing violin since the age of 6, have performed with multiple symphonies and orchestras, and play for many weddings and special events. Starting in June, 2018 I will be teaching private violin lessons in the comfort of your home in Nashville!

I am fortunate enough to have a lot of teaching experience. My first teaching job was when I was hired in 7th grade as a "teacher's helper," to teach violin at St. Dominic School in Brick, NJ. Then, at just 15, I was hired as a private violin instructor at Garden State Music Center in Toms River, NJ. For 5 years at Garden State, I had well over 50 students who I have helped prepare for auditions, build their repertoire, and instill the technique and fundamentals they need to succeed. Finally, I was hired for the 2015-2016 school year at North Fork Middle School in VA as the private violin teacher there, and I student taught at three different middle schools and one high school during my studies at JMU.

A typical 30, 45, or 60 minute lesson with me includes 3 main areas: technique, theory/listening, and repertoire. Each student of mine will always be working through a book that advances their technique (which one they work with will be evaluated by me based on their level/experience). In addition, they will be assigned 10-30 minutes of listening material every week that will teach them something related to music theory, and will keep them well-versed on classical music early in their development. Finally, students of mine must always be up for a little challenge as they tackle a piece of repertoire to expand their level of playing ability and musicality. I am self-described as strict, but apparently I am not an accurate judge of my own character, because my past students, however... they mostly think I'm fun. It took me many years to learn how to push my students to their full potential, but then to give them a break when I can tell they are having a bad day. I expect my students to practice every day, but I am not ignorant to the simple fact that "life happens." I understand that parents work, vacations are necessary, and that no one can be expected to practice while they have the flu. I get it, I was a student too! But I do believe that progress does not come without a strong work ethic and a diligent mindset. I am the kind of person that does not believe in the words "I can't" without the word "yet" immediately following it. I love my students and my favorite part of this job is seeing them succeed.

I welcome students of all ages and levels, and if you have any questions about my rates or to find out if I can travel to your home, please give me a call! Your first lesson is free of charge while your student and I learn about one another's learning and teaching styles to determine whether or not we are a good fit. Please note that due to limited availablity, I have a maximum of 10 lesson spots the summer, 4 of which are currently filled (I will continue to update this!). I so look forward to hearing from you!

I absolutely love teaching! From showing a six year old how to hold the instrument during their first lesson to working through difficult passages with someone preparing for college auditions, getting to know students of all ages is my favorite part of the job. I love to hear about what music they enjoy the most and incorporate that into their lessons as well, because I believe music-making should be enjoyable from the very beginning of a student's studies. Music education truly is my passion and I can't imagine doing anything that wasn't music-related!