About Dr. Monique Arar
Pianist. Pedagogue. Lifelong musician.
For more than 25 years, Dr. Monique Arar has helped students develop their playing and deepen their understanding of music. Her teaching brings together Russian-school training, doctoral research, and an active performing life.
Biography
A life in music.
Monique began learning to read music before words. Her early training in the Russian school of piano playing led to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in piano performance.
Her teaching experience spans private studio and university settings, including Spelman College, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Clayton State University, the University of North Georgia, and Tennessee State University. Her work has encompassed piano, music theory, music history, musicianship, and collaborative piano.
Alongside teaching, she performs as a soloist and chamber musician on piano and harpsichord. Her background in nonprofit leadership and higher education also informs her work with adults balancing musical study with careers and full lives.
In Atlanta, she built one of the city’s most highly regarded piano studios — ranked #1 on Yelp and Google Maps, with students earning regional honors and top festival ratings. Today, that same individual attention reaches students online worldwide.
Teaching approach
Understanding becomes artistry.
Each student brings a different history, curiosity, and way of learning. Dr. Monique connects technique, reading, theory, and musicianship to the music you want to play, helping you develop the skills to make thoughtful musical choices.
Education and credentials
Education & professional credentials
- Doctorate
Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Degrees
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Piano Performance
- Certification
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
MTNA
- Certification
Royal Conservatory of Music teacher certification
- University teaching
Spelman College · UNLV · Clayton State · University of North Georgia · Tennessee State
Piano, music theory, music history, musicianship, and collaborative piano.
- Professional service
Adjudication and conference presentations
Competitions and festivals across the United States; conferences in North America and Europe.
Read the full dissertation · UNLV Libraries ↗
Research into historical keyboard pedagogy, including partimento, figured bass, improvisation, and learning through musical patterns.
Best of Georgia 2024 Honorable Mention — Music Schools & Instructors
Awarded to Music with Monique, LLC, now Monique Arar Studio, by the Georgia Business Journal.
#1 Best Piano Lessons in Atlanta, GA — DistinguishedTeaching, 2023
Highest-rated among 339 vetted and reviewed piano and keyboard studios in the Atlanta area.
#1 on Yelp and Google Maps — Atlanta
Top-ranked piano studio in Atlanta by student reviews.
Selected performances
On stage
- 2026MonAlessa Piano Duet Concert, Berlin, Germany
- 2026Masterclasses and student recital accompaniment, AGK, Berlin and Potsdam, Germany
- 2024Chigiana Conference: Performing Classics Today, Siena, Italy
- 2023Solo recital, Cathedral of St. Philip, Buckhead, Georgia
- 2023Tafelmusik: Telemann Dinner Concert, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Alabama
Press and conversations
Interviews & conversations
- VoyageATLFeature interview ↗
Her path as a pianist and teacher, and the studio she built in Atlanta.
- House of Ramirez · PodcastListen on Spotify ↗
On musicianship and teaching adults.
- Georgia Music Teachers Association · PodcastListen to the conversation ↗
On pedagogy and historical keyboard training.
- WritingEssays on Substack ↗
Reflections on learning, teaching, and the piano.
Let’s explore your musical goals.
A complimentary conversation is the first step toward finding the right course of study.
Prefer to write? DrMonique@musicwithmonique.com