Why Study with Melissa?
Offering lessons in flute, improvisation, composition, and effects pedals
"My motto has always been: Learn from the best. I was looking for alternate ways to incorporate my flute playing into more contemporary settings, and I stumbled across Melissa’s music and her published book on the glissando flute. Once I got a glissando headjoint of my own, I fell in love with it and wanted to learn as much as I could. I was honored when she took me on as a student!" - Kim Z.
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For as long as I can remember, music has struck me like lightning. I love the colors of sound, the stories entwined in the notes, and the way music creates a fantasy-land for my imagination to explore. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky and began playing flute in August 1999. I decided to pursue music as my career after seeing Rhonda Larson and Robert Dick perform in the early 2000s. Both artists had their own unique style, their own voice, their own music, and I knew that was what I wanted to do.
Do YOU want to find your "musical voice," too? Are you interested in learning how to play the flute, improvise, write your own music, and express yourself? Do you want some guidance in gear and playing with effects pedals? Are you looking for an empathetic teacher that helps you reach your personal goals? Are you just starting out on the flute, or looking to improve your tone? I'm here for you! B.S., Music Education - Western Kentucky University M.M., Flute Performance - Middle Tennessee University D.M.A., Flute Performance - The Graduate Center, City University of New York |
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"Melissa is wonderful, if you get a chance to take lessons with her, jump on it… Seriously, she is a fantastic musician and a wonderful teacher. I met her at an NFA Convention where she kind of blew us all away with her electric fluting. Her classical training gives her a precision that grounds her electric world and allows her to make some beautiful and mesmerizing sounds. Melissa helped me learn about various pedals and how they worked and what sounds they made. She was patient with my slow learning, which I appreciated. If I had to rate her on a scale of one star to five stars, she would get a 6." - Joel H.
About Lessons
All ages are accepted for lessons, and no previous experience in music or the flute is required. Students are expected to provide their own materials (instrument, music, accessories) and be dedicated to a regular practice schedule.
Example topics that can be studied in flute lessons:
- Flute fundamentals - breathing, technique, posture, articulation, etc.
- Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary styles of music
- Piccolo, alto, and bass flute
- Extended techniques
- Improvisation
- Effects pedals
- Glissando Headjoint
- Composing
Lesson Fee
Zoom or in-person lessons: $75 per hour (or 4 one-hour lessons for $275).
Example topics that can be studied in flute lessons:
- Flute fundamentals - breathing, technique, posture, articulation, etc.
- Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary styles of music
- Piccolo, alto, and bass flute
- Extended techniques
- Improvisation
- Effects pedals
- Glissando Headjoint
- Composing
Lesson Fee
Zoom or in-person lessons: $75 per hour (or 4 one-hour lessons for $275).
Testimonials
"My experience with Melissa was transformative to say the least! She took the time to talk out the vision of what I wanted to achieve, and brought expertise to help me develop the skill set necessary to help me get there. I learned the fundamentals of amplification and effects for flute, but she also helped me build up my technical and improvisational abilities to help me keep growing. She respected -- and honestly, enthusiastically embraced -- the decidedly non-traditional interests I had, and now I'm able to explore and develop my own projects, but also participate in wide-ranging collaborations confidently. It's all pointed in the right direction, and the time I spent with Melissa was essential in making it happen." - Nick C. |
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"I wanted to take lessons with Melissa as she has expertise in the flute, as well as the use of electronics with the flute. I really felt she listened to me, what my goals were, what I needed help with and adapted her teaching to match my needs. Melissa effectively taught me how to use a looping pedal and I was quickly able to add it to my playing. She is very friendly and not at all intimidating despite her expertise." - Mike Z. "I decided to take lessons with Melissa because I wanted support in learning to play using looping and effects pedals. As a teacher, Melissa is incredibly supportive and encouraging. She listened to my musical goals and helped me work towards them with knowledge and kindness." - Krystine S. |
Masterclasses and Seminars
Melissa regularly presents masterclasses and seminars at universities such as West Virginia University, Middle Tennessee State University, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Missouri. She also leads workshops at music festivals like the National Flute Association Convention, Flute Society of Kentucky, and the Mizzou Flute Fest. Contact melissa@melissakeeling for booking.
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