Testimonials

My boys have extremely different temperaments and learning styles, so they require different teaching approaches. Melissa understands that each student is unique, so she deftly adjusts her teaching style and strategies to meet a student’s particular needs. In addition to all the normal stuff (flashcards, sheet music, worksheets, etc.), she also has fun board games, interesting and colorful manipulatives, clever mnemonic devices, and all sorts of other resources to help students understand what they’re doing when they’re sitting at the bench.

And, of course, there’s the confidence that both of my sons gained in their abilities. They’re both very shy—but they both volunteered to play piano pieces in their school talent shows! How was this possible? Because she taught them more than just how to play music; she taught them to love to play music.

But what’s most impressive about Melissa is the extra mils she goes to ignite a student’s interests. For example, my older son is an absolute Lord of the Rings fanatic. So what did Melissa do for him? She found sheet music for the movie soundtrack. It was pretty tough stuff, so she transcribed it by hand into a form that he could play. I can’t think of any other teacher who would go so far to ensure that my son could play music of such importance to him.

Hire Melissa. Seriously, before all of the slots fill up. She’s the best teacher that any music student could possibly have.

Rob, Father of students Donald (10) and Brennan (8)

Melissa did a wonderful job of making learning fun for my children with games and other fun learning material she had created - something we had not experienced at other studios. It made home practice much more pleasant for the kids AND the parents!

Melissa went out of her way to find popular music that my son got excited to learn and show his friends! She even adapted it to a level that he could play.

I appreciated Melissa's understanding of our family life. Some weeks other activites took priority over piano and we had less practice. She was always understanding of this balance.

Jenny, Mother of students Michael (9) and Charlie (6)

When Melissa was teaching me, I learned not only how to play the notes, but how to play the music

There are piano teachers who make you learn how to play, and there are piano teachers who make you WANT to learn how to play, and Melissa is the latter

With Melissa, I knew that I would never get bored, her excitement and enthusiasm are inspirational

Bethany, Student, Sophomore in High School

Our daughters (ages 7) regrettably had only one year with Mrs. Melissa but what an amazing year that was. The girls learned and retained so much! They were engaged over and over with the pieces of music they were able to choose, through the enrichment games and child specific learning strategies and from the multiple opportunities to perform.
Melissa was everything we were looking for in a piano teacher. She was able to foster and develop a love for music in our girls which in turn developed perseverance, responsibility and confidence in their everyday lives. Mrs. Melissa is a wonderful piano teacher and we give her a standing ovation!

Jennifer, Mother of students Olivia (7) and Emma (7)

Before attending Melissa's piano lessons, my musical rope was nearing its end. My interest in practicing and learning was dying out. I'd had the same piano teacher throughout elementary school, and loved her methods to a fault. Upon moving to a new city and aquiring a new teacher (other than Melissa) I was given nothing but dissapointment, and feared that the skills i had always dreamed of reaching would remain unfathomable. Due to Melissa's teaching, i have learned several new songs and had the opportunities to study piano, theory, and technique in new ways. Sadly, her Iowa City studio days were coming to an end, but the skills and rekindled interest Melissa instilled in me will help me to continue playing and learning.

Hannah, Student, Senior in High School

I really enjoyed the workshops that I got to do with Melissa during the summer, and I also loved the fact that she was able to pinpoint just the type of music I liked to play and really work on my weaknesses as well as my strengths as a pianist. She's a truly wonderful teacher!

Hope, Student, Junior in High School


I like how she had a big music library, and all the different choices. I mean she had worship music to modern music (like Melody Bober and so forth) to classical. I like the unique way she had of explaining things and the bright colored charts. She is excellent with rhythm and counting!

                                                               Trudi, Student, Freshman in High School

Thanks so much for your perseverance and patience….you have planted seeds and because of your natural ability to work with the kids, your fun, positive teaching style, your kindness and your love of music which can’t help but infuse everything you do with them, they are developing a love of music and of the piano….music will always be a joyful part of their lives.

Jacque, Mother of Ania (8) and Maya (6)


We couldn’t ask for a more patient, talented and motivating teacher. Melissa had a great handle on Jonathan’s potential and his level of interest. He has loved his lessons with Melissa. She always comes with comes with some special treat in her bag, which is motivating for him. More that, though, he really likes her and wants to play well for her.

From a parent’s perspective, Melissa is extremely well organized. She makes it seem like my child is her only student. Further, the recitals have been wonderful. It’s amazing to see your child confidently get up in front of people and play the piano. We will miss seeing Melissa each week, but I feel so fortunate that my son had Melissa as his first piano teacher.

Joan, Mother of Jonathan (8)