Emily Montoya is a cellist in Austin Texas, native to northern Wisconsin, where she grew up surrounded by forests and lakes. She began learning cello at the late age of 14 on her own, and began lessons at the age of 17, and her quick development on the instrument led her to complete two Bachelor’s degrees in Music and English, and to land a position in the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra at the age of 18. Here she studied with Dr. Lawrence Leviton, among many other wonderful faculty. On a whim, Emily moved from rural Wisconsin to Austin, Texas, and eventually received her Master’s Degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy there, graduating summa cum laude from Texas State University, where she enjoyed her studies with Dr. Karla Hamelin. While at Texas State, Emily served as the Principal Cellist of the Texas State University Symphony Orchestra, and won a position both years as the cellist in the Graduate String Quartet. During this time, Emily also maintained a very full private studio.

Emily is the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including “Outstanding Graduate Student” and “Outstanding College Freshman.” Her orchestral playing experience includes four years in the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, the Wausau Symphony, Waupaca Symphony, Central Texas Philharmonic, the UWSP Symphony, the Texas State Chamber Orchestra, and innumerable pit orchestras. In Austin, Emily enjoys a lively teaching and performing career, holds Suzuki certifications in cello, and welcomes students of all ages and abilities into her teaching studio. She was recently recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at Lone Star School of Music for her dedication to her students. Emily is also an avid recreational researcher when she finds the time, and has won awards for her research and her writing. She aspires to continue to expand on her own knowledge of the world and of the cello, of which she believes there is always plenty to learn. Emily believes in seeing the best in every person and student, in giving everyone a chance, and in helping others to overcome barriers to success. She has played in masterclasses for Lynn Kabat, Peter Thomas, Andrew Yee, and Anthony Elliot, among others.