Tom & Rita Monte are part of the heart & soul of an artist community located in the middle of New York City. Tom's passion is music and Rita's is writing. This interview covers their authentic journey together as a couple from the time they met in 1977 leading up to their latest project as the subject of a documentary by Cuban Filmmaker Christiane Arbescu titled "Our Journey to Resilience: Obstacles We've Overcome". The episode features two original songs performed live by Tom and a poem also read live by Rita which naturally led to an additional musical tribute to their illustrious journey of love performed by Rick. Find out more about Tom's Music Projects and piano tuning services as well as Rita's upcoming Childrens Books at pianotuning4u@yahoo.com along with the additional info below!

Musical Duo Tom and Rita Montauredes Blend Performance, Advocacy, and Healing.For more than three decades, Tom and Rita Montauredes (aka: Monte) have combined artistic excellence with compassionate advocacy in the heart of New York City. Through their company, Monte Music Inc., the couple has carved out a unique space that merges live performance, piano tuning, holistic healing, and disability rights.

Tom Monte is widely recognized as one of the top 10 piano tuners in NYC, trusted by prestigious clients such as Lincoln Center, the Yale Club, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and performers including Roberta Flack and Jimmy Webb. But he’s not only a master technician—he’s also a composer and performer. His musical theater project, Monte Music IV, features bold, original scores that fuse rock, gospel, jazz, and social commentary, exemplified in their theatrical production Poontang.

Rita Montauredes, who lost her sight due to glaucoma and corneal disease, is an award-winning patient advocate and author. She was one of the founding members of the New York Glaucoma education and support group. Rita helped expand talking library services, and successfully lobbied for audio newspapers and library improvements. Her tireless work earned recognition from local and national organizations for improving the quality of life for blind patients. Rita co-authored Coping with Glaucoma, the first accessible guide for patients navigating vision loss. Her second book, The Blind Chef: If I Can Cook, You Can Cook, offers practical, inspiring kitchen guidance for blind and sighted home cooks alike. She also works as a certified Reiki Master, offering energy healing sessions to those coping with chronic illness and emotional stress.

Tom and Rita continue to collaborate on creative and healing projects that serve New Yorkers from all walks of life. Whether through Tom’s piano work or Rita’s advocacy and wellness services, the couple’s mission remains constant: to uplift, empower, and connect.

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