Melinda F.
Pianist and Composer
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Instrument
Piano
I like to play ...
Contemporary classical, electroacoustic music, experimental, collaborative works, interdisciplinary performance
Students say that I'm ...
thoughtful, imaginative, supportive, curious, deeply musical, encouraging creative exploration
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Experience
15+ years
Hometown
New York, NY
Education
BM, Oberlin Conservatory
MM, Manhattan School of Music (Piano Performance) Expertise
Contemporary piano, electroacoustic performance, collaboration with dancers and theater artists, creative musicianship, experimental repertoire, interdisciplinary projects
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Let's know each other!
Melinda is a New York City–based pianist, composer, and educator known for her imaginative, exploratory approach to music-making. Her work blends piano, electronics, and sound design, helping students develop not just technical skill, but a deep sense of curiosity, listening, and creative confidence at the instrument.
With a background spanning contemporary classical music, electroacoustic performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Melinda brings a flexible, student-centered approach to teaching piano. Her lessons emphasize sound, touch, experimentation, and musical storytelling—meeting each student where they are and guiding them toward expressive, meaningful playing.
Melinda holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, and she has spent years performing and creating original work throughout New York City and beyond. Whether working with beginners, advanced pianists, or creative musicians exploring new sound worlds, she focuses on helping students build a personal relationship with music that lasts.
With a background spanning contemporary classical music, electroacoustic performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Melinda brings a flexible, student-centered approach to teaching piano. Her lessons emphasize sound, touch, experimentation, and musical storytelling—meeting each student where they are and guiding them toward expressive, meaningful playing.
Melinda holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, and she has spent years performing and creating original work throughout New York City and beyond. Whether working with beginners, advanced pianists, or creative musicians exploring new sound worlds, she focuses on helping students build a personal relationship with music that lasts.
My music journey
Melinda’s musical journey weaves together performance, composition, and collaboration across genres and disciplines. She has performed original electroacoustic and contemporary piano music at venues and festivals throughout New York City, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England, including interdisciplinary performance spaces, galleries, libraries, and concert series.
Her work often combines piano with electronics, field recordings, and theatrical elements. Current and recent projects include a solo electroacoustic album, an interdisciplinary theater work exploring meme and emoji language, and musical settings of Filipino children’s books. She has been the recipient of multiple arts grants supporting new music and creative performance.
In addition to her work as a composer and performer, Melinda has collaborated extensively with dancers, theater artists, and chamber ensembles, and has traveled internationally to study and perform music rooted in global traditions. Alongside her artistic career, she remains deeply committed to music education—helping students develop strong technique, open ears, and the confidence to explore music creatively.
