Member Directory

Mrs. Ann Montzka-Smelser

Violin, Viola Teacher, Parent · Teacher Trainer SAA Member

Ann Montzka-Smelser has been a Suzuki student for 44 years, a Suzuki teacher for 30 years, a Suzuki parent for 15 years and a Suzuki Teacher Trainer for 5 years. In between receiving her Bachelors of Music Education and Masters in Performance and Pedagogy at Northern Illinois University, Ann studied with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan.

Ann has performed in many orchestras and chamber ensembles and is currently principal violist with Camerata Chicago and concertmaster of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Ann is on the music faculty at Northern Illinois University and Wheaton College teaching Suzuki Pedagogy. She is also director of the NIU CSA Suzuki Strings Program. Ann has enjoyed working with Suzuki families at Festivals in Lima, Peru, Singapore and Suzuki workshops and Institutes throughout the United States . Ann lives in DeKalb, IL with her children, Ben and Genna, and her husband, Linc.