Melissa D
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical
Melissa D
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
MM, University of Miami, Composition BM, University of Connecticut, Composition BM, University of Connecticut, Viola Performance
In 2015, I graduated from the University of Connecticut with two Bachelor of Music degrees in Viola Performance and Composition. In 2018, I graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a Master of Music degree in Composition. During my time at both universities, I performed in many music ensembles ranging from duos to large symphony orchestras. In addition, I have played in ensembles that specialize in early music (Renaissance and Baroque), opera, and new contemporary works. Along with teaching privately, I am a composer. This past year alone I have received seven commissions, four of them being from music educators.
I began teaching privately three years ago after earning both of my BM degrees from the University of Connecticut. Many students I have taught have numerous activities such as ensembles, sports teams, church, and other commitments. This is why I encourage students to practice daily with efficient techniques so they are able to continue to improve during their busy schedules. Also, I make an effort for my students to have fun in their lessons while having constructive criticism so the students are not discouraged and stay engaged. My students are always encouraged to audition and perform as much as possible. My last student in Miami was invited to audition at an Arts Private School and received the full-tuition scholarship to attend there for high school.
For my beginning students, I typically start with scales, then some technical exercises that usually come from Simon Fischer Basics book, and a short piece that employ one of the scales with the techniques. Once the student understands the fundamentals, I introduce solo repertoire that is considered essential to know for their instrument as well as sight-reading techniques. Once the student becomes more advanced, I show them works that I believe will peak their interest along with pieces that are overlooked such as pieces by women or minority composers. Another thing I do for my more advanced students is to incorporate music theory into some of the lessons so that my students will be well-rounded musicians.
My teaching style is very flexible for many reasons. Each student progresses at their own pace along with possibly participating in ensembles such as their school orchestra, All-State auditions, and more. I take all of these into consideration to create realistic goals for the students. The realistic goals for each of my students usually are many short-term goals as well as one long-term goal for them to reach at the end of the year. When students are given short-term and long-term goals, they focus more on the short-term in the beginning. However, as they hear themselves improve, the long-term goal is in sight, which gives them the motivation to continue practicing.
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