HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 20, 2024) – For the first time in its seven-year history, Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center will soon offer music instruction. Middle Tennessee youth and adults interested in learning basic guitar and fiddle can now register for instruction. Cole Ritter, the popular Tennessee singer-songwriter, guitarist and fiddle player, has been tapped to teach class fiddle and guitar to children, teens and adults. Classes start March 23 and run for four-week sessions throughout the semester.
“Offering music instruction is something we’ve always wanted to do at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center,” says MACC Executive Director Cheryl Strichik. “When we learned that Cole
Ritter was interested and available to teach class guitar and fiddle, we jumped at the
opportunity.”
Certainly, Monthaven couldn’t have found a better music teacher. A graduate of
Belmont University School of Music, Ritter first gained national recognition in 2022 as a
contestant on the television series American Idol. In the years since, he has become a fixture in
Nashville. His soulful, jazzy voice mixed with his country and rock-and-roll roots gives his band,
The Night Owls, a unique sound.
Ritter will bring his stylistic diversity to Monthaven. Students in his Adult Guitar Class
will explore rock, pop, country and more in a fun, low-pressure environment. By the end of the
four-week session, participants will be able to strum rhythmically using all of the most common
chords. Students in Ritter’s Children’s Guitar Class will develop similar musical skills in a fun and
engaging way. The class is for children 11 and up. No prior experience is necessary for either
the adult or children’s guitar class.
Traditional fiddle playing has long been near and dear to Cole Ritter’s heart. He picked
up his first fiddle at age 3. By age 8, he was touring the Southeast with a group of other young
violinists. In his fiddle class, students of all ages will learn to play catchy fiddle tunes from
various regions and in different styles. It is recommended that students have at least two years
of experience playing violin before enrolling in Fiddle Class.
All music classes will take place at the MACC’s headquarters at Monthaven Mansion in
Hendersonville. Registration for music classes at the MACC is available online at
monthavenarts.org/classes. For more information, call Deputy Director Tonya Mirtes at (615) 822-0789.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education
facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular antebellum mansions. A 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic
art of Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and
military veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more
than 900 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing
arts to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, visit
www.monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com or call (615) 822-0789.