Classical
Pianist

 
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Melissa Terrall is an award-winning classical pianist currently based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. A 2023 Fulbright grant recipient, she spent a year researching Mexican piano repertoire in Mexico City.

Melissa holds degrees from the University of Kansas and Portland State University. An equally passionate performer and teacher, she has worked as interim piano professor at Linfield University and Clark College while also maintaining a private piano studio.

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REVIEWS

“Our organization has had the pleasure of having Melissa adjudicate for our students in a group setting.  Melissa is thoughtful, kind, and sincere in her assessment of each student.  She immediately makes them feel at ease at the start of each class by offering words of comfort and encouragement... Her written comments are detailed and show a deep understanding of the score, performance artistry, and appropriate interpretation for all the eras of music history.”

-Aaron Bloom, NCTM; Heidi Evans, NCTM

“Melissa is a skilled répétiteur. She easily adapts to vocal styles, genres and is an excellent sight reader! Our studio looks forward to inviting her to collaborate again with our members.”

-Matthew Hayward, VOXnorthwest Voice Studio Founder

“Melissa Terrall is among the finest collaborative pianists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She accompanied all three of my choirs at Clark College during the 2022-2023 school year and her level of artistry, her ability at sight-reading open choral scores, and ease in the rehearsal process is what sets her above so many of her peers. She’s an incredible musician and a joy to work with!”

- Dr. Jacob Funk, Director of Choirs at Clark College

“Melissa Terrall has performed several mini concerts at Artists Repertory Theatre prior to our MainStage productions. Our patrons have enjoyed her expert playing and her spirit of generosity in sharing her music. I would recommend her for any event!”

–Susannah Mars, Resident Artist and Curator; Artists Repertory Theatre

“We hired Melissa Terrall for a James Bond themed fundraising event. She was professional and an excellent performer – from upbeat Bond-themes to quiet hymns. Our team enjoyed working with her and would highly recommend her for your upcoming event!”

–Andrea Bryson, Development Coordinator at Open Arms International

“Melissa is a gifted and passionate pianist who encourages her students to reach their potential with quality and enthusiasm. She goes above and beyond to make learning piano enjoyable and inspiring. I could not ask for a more dedicated, kind, or talented role model!”

–High school student

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Carney-Terrall Duo

Melissa Terrall and Colleen Carney started playing together in 2014, coached by Dr. Jill Timmons. In the spring of 2019, they won first place at the Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists, also taking home the competition’s American Music award for their performance of Aaron Copland’s ‘Billy the Kid Suite.’ The duo has performed at events for Classic Pianos and The Yamaha Corporation of America. Their performances have taken them from coast to coast, with concerts in Seattle, Denver, Portland, Anchorage, Jacksonville, and Boston. In the summer of 2019, Colleen and Melissa were featured on KOIN 6 news in a segment hosted by Portland news anchor Jennifer Hoff. The Carney-Terrall duo enjoys performing a range of repertoire from classical pieces to popular songs and Broadway tunes.

Take a Listen