Regular

Melissa Lisbão-Underwood graduated magna cum laude from Mason Gross School of the Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance. She was lucky to study under Francesca dePasquale, a phenomenal violinist who not only taught her how to play at a very high level but also modeled excellent teaching. Melissa believes that music connects people to themselves and to each other, and teaching music means building a more integrated world. Having learned through the Suzuki method at the age of four, she balances her classes by teaching not just technique but also ear-training, improvisation and musicianship. Melissa celebrates diverse learning styles, and always draws on what she observes of her students; their interests, their ways of understanding. As a teacher she aims to inspire her students, help them construct positive habits, embrace challenges, and celebrate their achievements as they develop their own personal voice within music.

Education: Bachelor’s in Violin Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts

Specialties: Violin

Divisions: Music