Melissa is a dynamic and engaging presenter in demand for performances, workshops, and master classes. Peruse her event offerings below, with topics ranging from performance anxiety to Mexican piano repertoire.

Pedagogy and Performance Workshops

Ideal audiences:

• Music teachers’ association chapters and conferences

• University music programs

Developing the Expressive Voice and Musical Agility: A Student-Led Model

Classical musicians typically learn expressive musicianship by copying their teacher. In this presentation, I outline the merits of a student-led approach to developing expressive playing through practical assignments - from “opposite practice” to “the Goldilocks game.” This engages a students’ creativity and leads to more agile, independent musicians.

Turning Performance Anxiety into a Super Power

This practical workshop equips teachers with strategies to prepare students for successful performances - from mindset shifts to conditioning. Attendees will receive a digital packet with materials for a fun and engaging studio group class on performance preparation!

The Case for Developing Pedagogy Skills in the Pre-College Pianist

Piano teachers offer an array of performance opportunities for their studios, but what if we were equally intentional about cultivating teaching opportunities? Drawing on my roots as a young piano teacher and survey results from colleagues, I explore practical steps that pre-college pianists and their parents and teachers can take to cultivate pedagogy skills early.

Mexican Music Performances & Presentations

Melissa spent the 2023-24 academic year as a Fulbright scholar at Mexico City’s Conservatorio Nacional, studying this country’s rich repertoire for piano. The following recitals and workshops draw on her research.

Ideal audiences:

• University music departments

• University study abroad offices

• Music Teachers Associations

• Concert Presenters

Workshop: Mexican Harmonies- Exploring Piano Repertoire from Mexico

From Tomás León to José Rolón, Melissa presents profiles of notable Mexican composers, discussing their piano works while also addressing common misconceptions about Mexican classical music. This session showcases the diversity of this repertoire, from salon pieces to folkloric music, demonstrating its potential to enrich the classical canon. Attendees are sure to leave more knowledgeable about Mexican composers and inspired to interact with their music in a culturally robust way - from studio to stage.

Recital: Armonías Mexicanas

Enjoy a program comprised entirely of Mexican music from beginning to end! Featuring works by Mariano Elízaga, Tomás León, José Rolón, Gabriela Ortíz, and more.

Recital: Across the Pond

A program featuring piano works from both sides of the pond - from Bach and Chopin to Rolón and Gaitán.

Workshop: Fulbright 101 for Musicians

In this 60-minute workshop, Melissa discusses her experience applying multiple times to the Fulbright U.S. Student program - finally receiving the award on her third try! She shares helpful tips and “do’s and don’ts” of the application process especially for musicians.

Miscellaneous Workshops

Master Classes

Melissa is a dynamic clinician with experience offering master classes in the Pacific Northwest and Mexico City. Whether participating students perform Latin American or European piano works, Melissa will offer thoughtful and unique comments to help them amplify their expressive skills and performance confidence.

Interactive K-12 Presentations

A passionate music teacher, Melissa has taught piano students for many years and volunteered as a Reach the World traveler, sharing her love for Mexican music and culture virtually with a bilingual middle-school classroom in New York. She is available to offer interactive performance chats about Mexican music in K-12 classrooms, inspiring students’ interest in arts, music, and culture with her engaging performance talks!

Custom Event: Is something missing from this list? Reach out to Melissa to curate an event specific to your organization’s needs.