Event Offerings

Melissa spent the 2023-24 school year as a Fulbright student researcher at Mexico’s Conservatorio Nacional, studying and performing this country’s rich repertoire for piano. Book her to present a recital or workshop inspired by her experience abroad.

Peruse Melissa’s offerings below:

• Recital - The Mexican Piano

  • Enjoy a program comprised entirely of Mexican music from beginning to end! Featuring works by Tomás Leon, José Rolón, Gabriela Ortiz, and more.

• Recital - Across the Pond

  • A program featuring piano works from both sides of the pond - from Mexico to Europe. Revel in Bach and Beethoven as well as Rolón and Gaitán.

• Workshop or Lecture Recital - Beyond Manuel Ponce: Five Mexican Composers You Should Know!

  • It is impossible to overstate the influence of Mexican composer Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948). He wrote over two hundred (!) piano works, in addition to numerous pieces for guitar, voice, and orchestra. Sometimes, the conversation surrounding Mexican classical music begins and ends with Ponce. This workshop covers five other Mexican composers whose repertoire you should be familiar with.

    Ideal audience:

    • University music programs

    • Music teachers’ association chapters

• Workshop: Fulbright 101 for Musicians

  • In this 60-minute workshop, Melissa discusses her experience applying multiple times to the Fulbright U.S. Student program - finally receiving the award on her third try! She shares helpful tips and “do’s and don’ts” of the application process especially for musicians.

    Ideal audience:

    • University music programs

    • University study abroad office

• Master Classes

  • Melissa is a dynamic clinician with experience offering master classes in the Pacific Northwest and Mexico City. Whether participating students perform Latin American or European piano works, Melissa will offer thoughtful and unique comments to help them amplify their expressive skills and performance confidence.

• Interactive K-12 Presentations

  Melissa is a passionate music teacher. She has taught piano students for many years, and this spring, she volunteered as a Reach the World traveler, sharing her love for Mexican music and culture virtually with a bilingual middle-school classroom in New York.

  Melissa is available to offer interactive performance chats about Mexican music in K-12 classrooms. She will inspire students’ interest in the arts, music, and culture with her engaging workshop format!

• Custom Event: Is something missing from this list? Reach out to Melissa to curate an event specific to your organization’s needs.