Melissa Ellen
Biography (...continued)
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or professional singer, and whether you sing rock, pop, r & b, country, etc, Melissa will create a tailor-made plan of study to perfectly suit your talent level and help you achieve your personal goals.
“... I possess a confidence now that has come to me through singing and has ultimately affected every aspect of my life: relationally, physically, emotionally and spiritually."
- Kat
Along with addressing standard fundamental singing techniques like breath support, range, tone quality, projection, proper practice techniques, and vocal health and maintenance, Melissa has the experience to assist her students with style development, performance and delivery. She has shared the stage with major recording artists Toni Braxton, Caron Wheeler, India Arie and Geoff McBride. She has performed at countless corporate events, wedding receptions, and nightclubs over the years and has released and promoted 2 full length CD’s of her own.
Lastly, another benefit of having Melissa Ellen as your vocal coach is her vast knowledge of and continued involvement in the music business. Melissa was one of only six delegates chosen to represent the Recording Academy as a music industry panelist at the first ever Grammy Conference in Beijing, China, 2004. She is a proud active member of the Recording Academy, NARAS*, as well as SHOF*/ NAPM*, NFAA*, and ASCAP*. She has received awards for her teaching and songwriting and co managed a booking agency. All of which allows her to educate her students regarding the general ‘how to’ of making a living in the music industry.
“No one has ever given me advice or set me up in the right direction before like this, but it's the best thing I've ever done for myself in respect to my singing. I feel really optimistic that music is going to finally have an important place in my life! Thanks!”
- Maria
In the crowded, highly competitive recording industry of today, Melissa can help you stand out by unlocking the unique voice only you possess.
“I would recommend her (Melissa Ellen) to anyone who takes voice seriously and truly wants a master to show them the way.”
- Ryan
Melissa now resides in Nashville, TN. where she continues to teach private lessons and workshops.
Resume
QUALIFICATIONS
Teaching Experience:
Eighteen months private lessons and workshops, Nashvile, TN.
Thirteen years private instruction, Jan Smith Studios, Atlanta, GA.
Two years private instruction, Gwinnett School of Music, Atlanta, GA.
Eighteen months private and group instruction, Peggy Still School of Music
One year substitute teaching in the Gwinnett County public school system, Atlanta, GA.
Performance Experience:
Shared Bills - Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Fairfield Four, Toni Braxton, Caron Wheeler, Geoff McBride, India Arie, Ray Stevens
Studio Recording - Advertising jingles, Lead and background vocals for other artists
Eighteen years singing professionally throughout the southeastern U.S. - Lead and background vocals with numerous bands for corporate events, receptions, nightclubs, charity events
Special Events - Atlanta Montreux Jazz Festival, Sampras/ Agassi Tennis Tournament, Good Day Atlanta Morning Television Program, Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony, Music Midtown…
Achievements:
Represented the Recording Academy as a music industry panelist at the first Grammy Conference in Beijing, China
Spoken on panels for music conferences throughout the Southeast, U.S.
Developed a six week vocal workshop for Georgia Institute of Technology’s “Options Program”
Introduced the vocal program into the Gwinnett School of Rock, Atlanta, GA.
Judged several competitions including the famed Eddie’s Attic “Open Mic Shootout”, Atlanta, GA.
Pre-selection judge for “Gimme the Mike” Contest, FOX television
Received songwriting awards from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)/ Georgia Division
Received teaching award from National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA)
Released two full length CD’s (Forward Into The Past and If I Had A Voice)
Education:
Georgia State University – Secondary Education major
Voice teaching apprenticeship under Jan Smith, of Jan Smith Studios
Five years contemporary voice instruction
One year classical voice instruction
Professional Affiliations:
*Recording Academy/ National Association for Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)
*National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA)
*Association of Songwriters, Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
*National Association of Professional Musicians (NAPM) / (SHOF)