Praised as an innovator and creator in the classroom, Melanie is a veteran music educator with over 20 years teaching middle school through college-level learners. She combines a keen understanding of the teaching and learning process with a tireless commitment to the growth and success of every individual. She has presented at local, state, and national music education conferences on such topics as group composition, fostering empathy and self-expression in the music classroom, and most recently "Community Singers: Reimagined School Vocal Ensembles."

 

As a music director and pianist, Melanie has worked with community and professional theater companies throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, including the Young People's Center for Creative Arts, New Paradigm Theater, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Playhouse on Park. She has composed a number of works for vocal and instrumental ensembles, several solo songs and three original musicals. (View a list of her compositions here.)

 

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance and music education, as well as a Master of Music Education degree, both from The Hartt School. She currently teaches at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts full-day program, where she  serves as winds and voice specialist. Melanie has taught beginning conducting courses in the Music Division at The Hartt School, and she was formerly a faculty member in the Theatre Division, where she taught courses in Musicianship for Musical Theater and served as vocal coach, music director, and accompanist.

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