Melissa loved music as a baby (maybe earlier). She began picking out tunes by ear, on the family piano, at the age of 2! At 8, she began writing poetic lyrics. Songwriting began naturally as a teenager. Her elementary education included studying Piano and Theory at the Cleveland Music School Settlement. She also studied violin, recorder, guitar, has been part of various vocal groups and began studying Voice at 18, began singing professionally in her twenties, and enjoys her work as a Music Educator, teaching Voice, Piano, Song Composition and Performance Skills. Her influences include Sarah Vaughan, Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Buddy Guy and many Motown artists. She’s recorded in a variety of recording studios as well as performed for different venues and occasions, fronting her long time ensemble, New Territory.
Melissa loves teaching students of all ages, encouraging each student to grow, explore and enjoy the art of music, for life, as she has.
