About Monarch Music Lessons
Hi, I’m Cade Ratcliff, instructor and owner of Monarch Music Lessons.
I’d like to share with you a bit about myself and why I started Monarch.
Welcome to Monarch Music Lessons- Where Learning Feels Like Discovery
For nearly 20 years, I’ve been on my own musical journey, and for the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding others on theirs. What started as a love for music has grown into a passion for helping students discover that they’re always more capable than they initially believed.
The Birth of Monarch Music Lessons
Monarch Music Lessons was born out of a very practical problem. After years of teaching private in-home lessons, I found myself constantly battling Charlotte traffic, unable to get from house to house efficiently. More importantly, I noticed that families in the greater Charlotte area—especially in more rural communities—often had limited access to quality music instruction.
The solution became clear: bring personalized, professional music education directly to students through online lessons, eliminating travel time while expanding access to families no matter where they are.
A Personal Approach to Learning
My own experience being homeschooled from middle school through high school taught me that effective learning is always a two-way commitment between student and teacher. I learned that every student thinks differently, processes information uniquely, and brings their own musical interests to the table. This understanding shapes how I teach today.
In my lessons, I focus on getting to know how each student sees music and what they’re listening to and enjoying. I share my own musical journey too, because we’re all discovering music together. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, I let students choose the path they want to explore and guide them through it when they’re ready for each new challenge.
What Makes Learning at Monarch Different
My greatest joy as an instructor comes from those breakthrough moments when students realize they were always capable of doing something that once seemed impossible. When difficult techniques become second nature and students can play with pure enjoyment—that’s when we know we’ve succeeded together.
At Monarch Music, we want to give you the challenges that will help you become excellent at your instrument, but we also want to guide you through a learning path that’s uniquely yours. Learning your instrument isn’t a to-do list to complete—it’s a skill that grows with you and becomes truly your own.
Serving the Charlotte Community
As a local Charlotte area resident myself, I understand the unique needs of our community. Whether you’re a busy family in the suburbs, a homeschool family looking to add music to your curriculum, or an adult who’s always wanted to learn an instrument, Monarch Music Lessons is here to make quality music education accessible, flexible, and enjoyable.