Born and raised in Richmond, Melissa’s passion for music began with her first piano lesson at the early age of three. In her later years, Melissa studied piano with renowned pianist Patricia Rolston and completed her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2016. Melissa also sang with the Richmond Youth Honour Choir for many years throughout her childhood, later becoming their piano accompanist at age 12 and performing together in various local and international choral festivals. Melissa began teaching beginner piano at age 13 and now has over ten years of experience working with students of all ages and backgrounds.

Melissa graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology, during which she studied piano with Anya Alexeyev, an international performer and associate professor of the keyboard department at WLU. Melissa received numerous scholarships and recognitions throughout her musical studies, including the Anne Brownjohn Memorial Award in Music Therapy, awarded to the student obtaining the highest cumulative GPA within the program.

Upon completing a national board examination and many clinical practicums, Melissa is currently a certified music therapist and member of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists and Music Therapy Association of British Columbia. Her music therapy experience includes working with children and youth with diverse needs at Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital and other education facilities, young adults with complex developmental and physical needs at day programs, adults with mental health challenges through a not-for-profit clinic, and seniors at multiple long-term care residences.

Melissa’s extensive experience working with children and youth inspires her to develop and adapt lessons that support individual learning styles and unique interests. Her approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of exploring and appreciating music through creative methods and expressive techniques. Beyond her love for teaching music, Melissa is a multi-instrumentalist who plays concert and jazz alto saxophone and violin, taught herself guitar and ukulele, and is an experienced singer and songwriter.

Student testimonials:
“Dear Ms Melissa, thank you for teaching me this year. I learned a lot from you. You helped me when I felt stuck. Each year I improve because of you. Thank you so much, I hope you have a nice summer.”
– Student of teacher Melissa at WMA

“Teacher Melissa is a great teacher who’s very kind, patient at caring! Thank you very much, Melissa for always making piano fun and engaging!”
– Student of teacher Melissa at WMA