Born and raised in Vancouver, Melissa’s passion for music began from her first piano lesson at the early age of three. After singing with the Richmond Youth Honour Choir for many years throughout her childhood, Melissa became their piano accompanist at age 12 and performed with them from local to international choral festivals. In her early years, Melissa studied piano with renowned pianist Patricia Rolston and later completed her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2016. At age 13, Melissa began teaching beginner piano and now has nearly ten years of experience working with students of various ages and backgrounds.
Melissa is currently an undergraduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), studying to obtain an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy and Psychology. She currently studies piano with Anya Alexeyev, an international pianist, performer, and professor at WLU. As an aspiring music therapist, Melissa has the passion and commitment to make music education and services accessible to students of all ages. Her extensive experience working with children and youth inspires her to develop and adapt lessons that support individual and unique learning styles and challenges. Melissa’s teaching philosophy encompasses the importance of exploring the many wonders that music offers and appreciating music through diverse genres and styles.
Not only does Melissa dedicate time and patience to her students’ musical growth, but she is also actively involved within the community through volunteer service at retirement residences, community centres, and various non-profit organizations. She has received numerous scholarships and recognitions throughout her musical studies, recently including the Anne Brownjohn Memorial Award in Music Therapy from WLU, awarded to the student who presents the highest cumulative GPA within the program. Beyond piano, Melissa has experience playing concert and jazz alto saxophone for over ten years, studied violin with Tatyana Kravsun, taught herself guitar and ukulele, and is an experienced singer and songwriter.
