Monique Pinelli earned her Bachelor of Music from University of Iowa and her Master of Music from UNC-Greensboro. Monique also studied with Rob Zimansky in Switzerland where she also has a large family in the canton de Valais. She has performed with the Tri-Cities Iowa, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Hendersonville and Asheville Symphonies, Brevard Philharmonic, and Asheville Lyric Opera. While living in Utah, she worked at Suite Sound Recording Studios and honed her wedding music skills playing for numerous ceremonies and receptions in the Salt Lake City area including Deer Valley, Snowbird and Park City. Monique has also toured China and Inner Mongolia with the South Shore Orchestra. In addition to having a large teaching studio, Monique continues to freelance throughout the WNC region.

In 2006, Café String Quartet was formed with the idea that we can offer beautiful celebration music with excellent service while playing music with our friends. CSQ continues to play for weddings, funerals, symphony and community programs, fundraisers, laws firms, casino events, church services, corporate events, garden parties, festivals, retirement communities and themed parties. Monique also has enjoyed the creative endeavor of raising two sons and is grateful to be sharing a loving partnership with her husband of 35 years.