Rob Montano is a singer/songwriter based in NYC and Nashville. Rob has a lengthy resume in live theater and acting, as well as released original music and a growing social media presence. Rob is currently in his 3rd year at Belmont University as a vocal major undergoing serious training to become a professional vocalist, writer, and creator.

While in high school, Rob would play shows across the north and south shores of Long Island as both a solo artist and a keys player. Learning from cover bands and artists who would give him a chance to play with them, Rob began to experience what it was to be a true musician by reading the room for song choices, crowd interaction, and how to run his own gigs.

Fortunately, at the age of 14, Rob landed his first big break and Broadway Debut – being cast as the leading role in the 2017 season of Radio City Music Hall’s “Christmas Spectacular”, a role he would reprise for the next 3 years.

This is where Rob’s acting career officially began, performing 100+ shows 6 days a week on a seasonal basis at Radio City Music Hall all throughout his high school career. Rob was also cast as Troy Bolton in “Disney’s High School Musical” for their off-broadway debut in 2018. While working under Disney, Rob was cast for the role of Artie Bucco in the 2021 Warner Brothers film “The Many Saints of Newark”, a prequel for HBO’s most successful show to date, “The Sopranos”.

Rob’s Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is simple. Each musician and artist is unique, so why shouldn’t lessons be? My lessons are not a copy paste of the same techniques, they are tailored to each student based on their unique talent, no one student is the same so I do everything I can to not treat each lesson the same!”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“My biggest career spotlights were when I was cast as the principal role in Radio City Music Hall from 2017-2021. I had the honor of playing Artie Bucco in HBO’s “The Many Saints of Newark”, “The Sopranos” Prequel in 2021, and being able to perform alongside Judah and The Lion in 2024 for their first debut performance of their newest album, “The Process”.”

What type of student will excel the most under your mentorship?
“Any! I welcome all students, all ages and levels, its never too early nor too late to learn!”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a mentor to me is so exciting. This is something I have been doing for a long time, and I find happiness in making others happy. For me, that is through performing and teaching. Being able to guide someone in a musical direction, and to help students become more confident in themselves is such a gift for me.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to Classic Rock, Theater, Classical and Pop Rock. This influenced my artistry by creating a blend of all of these genres that seep out into every song I write.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“My favorite local spot has to be Bongo right across the street from Belmont! This brings so much joy and nostalgia to me, as I have made so many memories on Belmont Blvd.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be an artist, this has been my whole life and what makes me happiest!”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“I would love to have met Johnny Cash and ask how he always maintained such a strong drive for success for his brand.”

Salty Treat: Pretzels

Sweet Treat: Cookies

Fast Food Restaurant: McDonalds/Chipotle

Sit Down Restaurant: Chuy’s

Coffee Drink: Black Coffee

Movie/Show: Lord of The Rings/Friends

Place to Shop: Buffalo Exchange

Candle: Fall Scents!

Musician/Band: Billy Joel/Paul McCartney

Travel Destination: Long Island