Melissa, a professional operatic Soprano, has a passion for imparting a love of music to aspiring musicians. She has been singing as long as she can remember and playing piano for over 10 years. She employs a comprehensive approach to developing the entire musician. This includes learning to read music, technique, performance, stage presence, dressing the part, and how to audition successfully.

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence.  I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988.  I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college & public radio.  My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students.

Music has taken me to see places of the world I would have never been, music has given me some of the coolest jobs in my life. Playing organ for the San Jose Sharks NHL team was a dream come true, and I am still the youngest person to have held that job in the NHL.  They still use all of my recordings. I went to the Virgin Islands last year to perform with a band on New Year's Eve, total paradise all to enjoy just for playing some music! I currently travel the country for Roland Digital Piano Company and enjoy being able to perform for different audiences on high quality instruments.

I am an enthusiast and nuturing instructor who cares for the specific needs of students to yeld them on the path of success. I've graduated from Jackson State Univeristy with a Bachelors in Music Education degree, and I am currently attending the Academy of Art Unversirty in pursuit of a Masters in Fine Art. I have traveled throughout the U.S. performing with JSU's Chamber Orchestra and "Sonic Boom of the South". One moment that I'm particularly proud to be apart of is performing alongside Mary Mary in an inargural event for President Barack Obama.

Both passionate and laid back, ambitious and realistic, I have found great success through having an open mind and grateful spirit in this crazy music business.  My friends and colleagues have described me as consistently positive, easy to get to know, and warm hearted.  I hold two degrees in vocal performance, and consider the countless hours I've spent teaching in the studio and performing on stage to be my greatest assets.  No musician is complete without an understanding of the piano; my own experience began at an early age, and I encourage any student to begin studying piano as soon as possible!  I have studied with amazing pedagogues and scholars alike, and carry their teaching with me where ever I go.  Although the bulk of my professional resume is made up with operatic experience, my roots lie in choral music, jazz, and musical theater.  I have performed professionally in the United States as well as Germany and Italy.  I have a spacious, sunny studio space in my house with a very nice, 88-key, digital keyboard in up-and-coming Center Oak, just outside of downtown Oakland.