Monica Smiley grew up near Broomfield, Colorado, and began studying cello in sixth grade in the public school system. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying under Judith Glyde and Clayton Vaughn. This spring, she will be student teaching in the Saint Vrain Valley School District and will be licensed to teach K-12 Instrumental Music with an emphasis in secondary string education.

As a student at CU, Monica has been involved with many music education initiatives. In the fall of 2010, she reestablished CU’s American String Teachers Association collegiate chapter, which has expanded to include almost 20 student members. In the spring of 2011, she launched and developed the string component of CU’s Middle School Wind and String Ensemble, which quickly became a wild success with over 30 middle school string students. Monica has performed with the CU Symphony Orchestra since Fall 2009 under the masterful direction of Gary Lewis.

Monica has taught in multiple settings, private and public, which has expanded her pedagogical knowledge. These teaching experiences have prepared Monica for numerous types of learners.