Andrea Montlouis

GROSSE POINTE

Guitar • Piano • Voice • Ukulele

Andrea was born into a family of artists; (both visual & musical). Her mother was a professional painter and her grandfather, a naval architect, emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s to beautify the city of San Francisco through ornamental architecture and sculpture. (see "Fire and Gold, the San Francisco Story" by Charles Fracchia, pp 208 - 210).

Growing up in the Bay Area, Andrea was surrounded by music and musicians; in her early teens, listening to practice sessions - in her living room - by future members of the Van Morrison Band, Journey & Huey Lewis & the News - to name just a few.

At 9 she picked up a Martin guitar from her neighbor and, with some pointers on harmony, chords and music appreciation from her older sister - began her musical journey, exploring myriad musical genres, including folk, jazz, gospel, pop, Asian & African styles.

Shortly after graduating high school (and winning the Arion award for outstanding musical achievement) she was accepted into the Music Academy of the West to begin private vocal instruction under Martial Singher - a leading Baritone with the Metropolitan Opera. From there she continued her formal musical education, earning her BA in Music at Mills college, followed by performance oriented graduate studies at UCSD.

Andrea's love for languages was further kindled as she began performing songs from Argentina in west coast venues. At this time she was also inspired to begin writing her own songs. Regarding the latter, a local music director is currently in the process of arranging one of her (Boogie Woogie style) kid's songs for children's choir, along with a special "Meet the Composer" event.

As a teacher, Andrea finds great reward in sitting "right along side" her students, encouraging them in their musical progress every step of the way - where, even after the lesson ends, she continues to remain readily available throughout the week to answer any questions they may have about technique, choice of repertoire, song writing and/or performance opportunities.

Additionally, through the joy filled and beautifully nuanced Hummingbirds Music Together program - Andrea is able to share her love of music, movement, languages and eclectic styles with children (from birth - Kindergarten) and those who love them.

Andrea is currently accepting students of all ages in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele and the *Hummingbirds Music Together Mixed Ages class - so sign up today!

Andrea's additional private instructors include: Allaudin Matthieu (Jazz, piano, theory and composition) and Pandit Pranath (Indian Raga).

Andrea has also performed with the Jazz band "Downstream", Scott Thunes (from Frank Zappa) and James Trumbo (from Van Morrison).

It's an evening class so feel free to wear your pajamas!!