Music By Melissa

  I love teaching voice and piano lessons! It is such a huge thrilll to see my voice students go on and succeed in this business - Anyone aspiring to be the next AMERICAN IDOL should definitely come see me in the studio . In my studio - you get the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS - a voice teacher who builds voices and is a master of technique AND you get a vocal coach - someone who is knows ALL styles of music AND can play them expertly on the piano in any key. Never a need to bring a pianist!! AND I am a professional "working musician." Jordin Sparks is a former student of mine - nine months as a full time voice student.  She is one of the few American Idol winners to have major success on the Billboard Hot 100, alongside with Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood!!  This is a quote from Jordin's web-site as well as other official sites; " A formally trained singer, she started taking lessons at age 14 from vocal coach Melissa Black. She rigorously trained with her coach for almost a year, in order to perfect her skill." THANKS JORDIN!!   I am so proud of all of my other very successful students! You all make me look sooooo good.(ha)  In this studio - not only are powerful voices being built - but life-long self-esteem.

Speaking of good - WOW!!! - These talented singers JUST WON DISNEYS NEXT BIG THING!!!!! (  http://www.jonnieandbrookie.com/ ). Jonnie and Brookie Allen are from this studio and have become international successes in rock and pop music and as song writers. It was a real honor to have them as students in my studio.  I also have 15 year old Sarah Ambrose - who virtually wins all of her competitions - and also made her official debut with the Phoenix Symphony at age 14 as Christine - Phantom of the Opera.  Also - making huge waves as a singer here and in the los angeles area is 8 year old Athena Creese - who recently sang the National Anthem for the Lakers and the Clippers in Los Angeles.  She also just sang for Jordin Sparks and the Jonas Brothers at a charity event!  Most impressive - she just won her division of Hot Pipes Vocal Competition.  Check her out on youtube!  Also making their mark on the music scene from this studio are Nicole Jones, Sarah Moss (2nd place winner at Hot Pipes), Bree Hutchinson(former winner of Idol in the Skye and backing singer for Tanya Tucker) , Sean and Devyn Mullaney and many others.  Congrats to you all - and the future stars from this studio!  Former students and/or clients include Mary Hart (ET), Kristin Chenowith, Tabitha Fair (Amy Grant Band) and Kristin Richardson, wife of backstreet boy - Kevin Richardson.  Jill Arnoso - known as Jill G Marie - is also quickly advancing in the world of country music at her young age.  Country singer - Rebecca Lynn Howard - is guiding her and mentoring her since she moved out of state and left the studio.  Good luck to her!

I am a working musician who plays and sings all types of music by ear. I also have perfect pitch and have the ability to transpose on sight - which makes me in demand for session work as a pianist. Not only am I in demand for recording sessions as a pianist - but I coach the singers on their vocal technique as well. I am an excellent arranger of all types of music and have a proven record of not only getting the job done - but done well and fast. I am in great demand as a pianist for parties and receptions. I do play and sing all types of music - however my speciality is pop,rock,country and the classic standards.
I am also a VOCAL PRODUCER. My skills as a vocal producer have led to jobs in recording studios to participate as a vocal producer and vocal coach on master recording sessions. Not only have i used my musical talents to enhance my own career, but i have helped many national artists in their endeavors as well. In recording sessions - often times the ENGINEER does have extensive knowledge of a VOCAL COACH - but most do not - it is not what they are trained to do. As a singer AND pianist - i come into the studio and work with not only the major artists - but the backup singers as well.  My students each year audition for American Idol, Az Idol, Idol in the Skye, Hot Pipes and many more and most often advance to the finals AND sometimes win their divivision - if not the whole competition.I am also available for out of town/state coaching, judging, clinics and master classes.