1st lesson free
Melissa's profile, diploma and contact details have been verified by our experts
Melissa
- Rate US$50
- Response 1h
-
Students50+
Number of students Melissa has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
Number of students Melissa has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
US$50/hr
Contact
1st lesson free
- Music Theory
Ph.D. music educator and award-winning composer teaches AP Music Theory, ear training, sight-singing, and musicianship
- Music Theory
Lesson location
Super Prof
Melissa is one of our best Music theory tutors. They have a high-quality profile, verified qualifications, a quick response time, and great reviews from students!
About Melissa
I’m Dr. Melissa Mills, a professional music educator, conductor, composer, and music editor with a Ph.D. in Choral Music Education from Michigan State University and 30 years of teaching experience. I previously served on the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Music and have taught music at the elementary, secondary, and university levels.
My background is especially well suited to teaching theory and musicianship because I use these skills professionally every day. I am an award-winning composer and arranger, a choral music editor and publisher, and have continued advanced postgraduate study in music theory and composition with Dr. Derek Myler for the past six years.
I also taught sight-singing at Brigham Young University, giving me extensive experience helping students connect written notation with what they actually hear and sing. My work as a conductor, pianist, organist, composer, and teacher gives me a practical perspective on theory: it isn’t just an academic subject—it is the language musicians use to understand and create music.
One of my greatest strengths as an educator is diagnosing why something isn’t making sense and finding another way to teach it. I love the moment when a student who thought theory was confusing suddenly says, “Oh! Now I get it.”
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Music theory should help you understand the music you hear, sing, play, and create—not just give you a list of rules to memorize.
I teach theory as practical musicianship, connecting what you see on the page with what you hear, sing, play, analyze, and create. Depending on your goals, lessons may include notation, scales and key signatures, intervals, chords and harmonic progressions, part writing, form and analysis, ear training, dictation, sight-singing, composition, and songwriting.
For AP Music Theory students, I can provide ongoing tutoring, help clarify difficult concepts, strengthen aural skills and sight-singing, review assignments, identify gaps in understanding, and help prepare for the AP exam. Because theory concepts build on one another, I’m particularly good at figuring out where understanding has broken down and finding another way to explain it.
I also work with adult musicians and singers who want to understand music more deeply, songwriters and composers who want stronger tools for creating music, and instrumentalists who want to understand the theory behind what they play. For singers preparing for Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square auditions, we can focus specifically on the combination of theory, sight-singing, ear training, and musicianship those goals require.
My approach is highly individualized. Some students understand a concept best by hearing it; others need to sing it, play it at the piano, see the pattern, analyze a score, or understand why it works. I use whichever combination helps the concept become something you can actually use, not merely something you can define.
Whether you’re trying to pass AP Music Theory, become a stronger sight-reader, write better songs, prepare for an audition, or finally understand the language behind the music you’ve loved for years, we’ll build from what you already know and fill in what’s missing.
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Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
4
I strongly recommend Melissa! She is a master teacher, knows everything about music, and even has a PhD in music education! She makes lessons fun and unforgettable.
I have many years of experience with Melissa as a musician and an educator. My children and I have sung in her choirs and she also provides music theory and composition tutoring to my teenaged son. Melissa is not only a brilliant educator and musician but also deeply kind, positive, enthusiastic, understanding, flexible, generous, funny, and fun. She is a rare combination of technical excellence, musicianship, teaching skill, vast experience, and a delightful personality. I recommend her to everyone I can.
Melissa is the most supportive and patient teacher. She obviously loves teaching music. My grandchildren have taken lessons and been in her choirs and she has helped and uplifted them. Highly recommended.
I highly recommend Dr. Melissa Mills as a voice teacher. Every lesson she is encouraging and tailored to my individual goals. She explains vocal techniques in a way that is easy to understand, and I've noticed improvement in my confidence, vocal range, and overall performance. She creates a positive, supportive environment where I feel comfortable learning and growing. Her patience, professionalism, and genuine passion for teaching make every lesson enjoyable. If you're looking for an outstanding voice teacher who truly cares about you and your progress, Dr. Mills is the perfect choice!
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Rates
Rate
- US$50
Pack prices
- 5h: US$250
- 10h: US$500
free lessons
The first free lesson with Melissa will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 1hr
online
- US$50/h
Details
30-minute lesson: $50
45-minute lesson: $75
1-hour lesson: $100
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