Mónica Lugo
Head of Alegre Strings; Faculty: Violin
Education:
Peabody Institute of Music, MM, Violin Performance
Florida International University, BM, Violin Performance
Bio:
Its beauty, and the ability to interact and play with many people at the same time, drew Mónica Lugo to music. That she was also drawn to teach others is a benefit to her students, who have performed at a number of major events in the Chicago area. Most recently, Ms. Lugo traveled to Matsumoto, Japan with 18 students of the Suzuki-Alegre Strings Program to represent Merit and Chicago at the 16th Suzuki Method World Convention.
As Head of the Suzuki-Alegre Strings Program, Ms. Lugo oversees its artistic vision, leads performances, and provides mentoring and support to faculty and parent training sessions. As former Co-chair of the Strings Department, she worked extensively in curriculum development, faculty observation and mentoring, and as liaison to teacher-training opportunities.
Born in Puerto Rico and fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Ms. Lugo held studio teaching positions in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Michigan, and tenured orchestra positions in Puerto Rico and with the Flint Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, she has participated in various artist-in-residence programs in the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. She is a registered instructor of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and has participated in pedagogy lessons and workshops with leading teacher-trainer violinists, including Almita Vamos and Mimi Zweig.
Ms. Lugo says her ultimate goal as a teacher is to guide and help students achieve their highest personal, musical, and academic potential. She sets high expectations for her students, working with parents to set goals and a vision for each.
