Simone Cartales, a violist and educator from the Boston area, has centered her musical endeavors around advocating for under-represented peoples. Simone is especially dedicated to chamber music. She is a founding member of the GAIA Quartet, an all-women string quartet that shares her commitment to bringing overlooked voices to the forefront of their musical endeavors. Simone’s chamber music education includes mentors from award-winning ensembles such as Catalyst Quartet, ETHEL, Cavani String Quartet, and the Meliora Quartet. 

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Simone is also involved in orchestral and solo performances, having played at international venues such as Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. Simone has collaborated with a diverse range of ensembles, including Palaver Strings, INTERWOVEN, and Bill Banfield’s “Imagine Orchestra,” in addition to larger orchestras like the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Du Bois Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony. Her solo endeavors include masterclasses with renowned violists, Kenji Bunch and David Rose, and she has commissioned two unique pieces by composers Grace Dashnaw and Tanya Zhmendak, highlighting her commitment to expanding the viola repertoire.

Simone is a violin and viola faculty member at Merrimack Valley Community Music School and Lexington Community Education.  With a commitment to fostering a deep love of music, Simone's teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student's musical journey is unique.

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Simone received her M.M. in Viola Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College studying with Paula Majerfeld, and her B.M. in Viola Performance from Ithaca College studying with Kyle Armbrust.