Founded in March, 2026 as an new open band collaboration by Monique from duos (Previously known as "The Moniko Stride Duo", trios up to bigger sets). We are specialized in trad jazz/dixieland/Jazz & Swing Era music, Monique's original compositions and many more!
We performed in several venues like Dance Union Studios, The Lilypad, Longy School of Music etc.
Why "Stride Caravan"
Stride is Monique's signature style in piano as well as another word for "swing" and gives the band a vintage swing vibe. Caravan means something freeform and fun, not just "Caravan" song every jazz musician knows!
Monique: Bandleader, arranger, composer, pianist
A classically trained, multi-genre pianist and vintage jazz composer specializing in stride piano, Jazz and Swing era performance.
Monique was introduced early to classic jazz through vintage animation, Golden Age Hollywood films and dances as a kid. She discovered jazz more deeply and soon found her passion in stride piano during teenage years.
Entirely self-taught by ears in stride style, Monique began composing original vintage-inspired music during her undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music, developing a sound that blends authenticity, playfulness with some jazz ideas and making the sound personal as “the Monique way".
Blues, vintage funk and vintage R&B are additional influences in Monique's improvisations.
Born in the 2000s, Monique carries a strong vintage spirit as a modernist artist. Her idiosyncratic musical identity and dedication to early jazz have made her stand out as the only pianist at Longy School of Music specializing in vintage jazz within the college's history.
Besides piano. Monique is a trumpeter, vintage stylist, artist, and dancer. Creative identities that continue to shape her music and stage presence.
Monique is also a current swing-era pianist with Beantown Swing Orchestra , leads The Moniko Stride Duo (discontinued) and a brand new open jazz band collaboration "Monique & The Stride Caravan".
Monique has been a private studio music/piano teacher since 2023 and she had various experiences teaching students at all ages (beginners to advanced studios/adults).
Skills - Classical piano, jazz piano, trad jazz/stride piano, small band rehearsal, small piano ensemble, recital preparation
Languages: English (UK/US), Mandarin Chinese
As a piano teacher, Monique offers personalized lessons to students. Every student is unique with their own spark. Monique's teaching is highly efficient, technical and also keeps students' needs and interests so that everyone will match their music goals and able to learn.
Her teaching balances:
Efficiency (clear structure, fast progress)
Technique (healthy habits, technique learning for a good foundation, expressive playing)
Creativity (improvisation, ear training, arranging)
Student interests (allowing each student to explore what inspires them)
Monique believes music lessons should be motivating, structured, and joyful — a place where students feel supported and inspired.
Locations
Monique is based in Boston, MA and teaches in locations accessible by MBTA, including:
MIT graduate dorms (Kendall/MIT — Red Line)
Longy School of Music practice rooms
A current studio teacher at The Conservatory at Highlands (Newton Highlands, MA)
Other lesson locations may be arranged depending on MBTA accessibility since Monique does not have a car.
Lesson Durations
Piano Lessons:
30 minutes • 45 minutes • 60 minutes • 75 minutes • 90 minutes
Rehearsal Coaching:
1 hour • 1.5 hours • 2 hours
Our Events feature allows you to post your upcoming concerts and events on your website in a calendar or list view. The Pro plan even lets you sell tickets directly through your website!
Tiny Hippo (Tiny Hippo Swing) Our beloved Tiny Hippo! Monique's first vintage jazz/stride composition ever (2022) Tiny Hippo is a sweet, carefree and mysterious character everyone loves and meet and greet. Written by Monique Zhang in 2022. Performed as a soloist and different band setting. The quintet is the best with a vocalist/ several vocalists! Here's a version for the band/pianist who prefers lead sheet including the vocal part. Enjoy!
Original vintage jazz composition by Monique Zhang (2025) Here's a solo piano version of Monique's vintage jazz stride piece - Tuggy's Stride Cruise. Can be played as a soloist, duo or more! Inspired by Monique's vintage partner - Niko and Niko's tuba "Tugboat/Tuggy" after Monique had her 1st tuba lesson from Niko! Style - Swing/stride/novelty piano/Syncopated piano/Rhythm piano/vintage inspired/retro/storytelling/Ragtime
Shaking the blues away (1920s vintage jazz/pop classic); Composer - Irving Berlin This used to be a popular piece from the Jazz Era. The song was also used in Hollywood movie "Love me or hate me" where Doris Day or singing and acting/dancing. Here is a solo jazz/stride piano version by Monique and her unique voicings/ideas of this piece - Shaking the blues away.
About Monique Zhang - Jazz/stride pianist, vintage jazz composer, time traveler and music teacher.
Monique's original jazz compositions
Own verisons of vintage jazz/swing era classics and other genres
How to book a private piano lesson with Monique?
Email is the best!
How to book a gig/ event/ parties/ weddings with Monique or “The Stride Caravan” band?
Email/DM us on our band Instagram if you need to book/hire the jazz duo.
Collabs with Monique or the band?
Monique loves collaboration which really depends on Monique's time! Let Monique know the style of music beforehand.
We are willing to collab with other musicians in the future based on what instruments or set you are looking for!
Where to look for a vintage jazz pianist for venues?
Monique is the vintage jazz pianist - email Monique!
Looking for a stride pianist?
Monique is willing to play stride piano for you! Email Monique or leave a text on Monique's IG!
