Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence

“After the first session with Melissa, it was clear we had made the right choice. Melissa expressed that she and H___ would find her voice together, not only for singing but also in developing a stronger sense of confidence that would permeate all areas of her life.
Melissa is kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable about her craft, and highly dedicated. Our daughter's experience, and ours, has exceeded our expectations. Melissa is both an exceptional teacher and such a special person. We are truly fortunate to have her in our lives.”
- Parent of high schooler.

Melissa Glaister
Voice, Beginner Piano

A native of Alabama from a town with a strong musical theater tradition, Melissa has a BMus in Voice Performance from the University of Alabama, MMus in Voice at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, and Graduate Diploma in Voice from New England Conservatory.

Melissa has a private studio, and also teaches at The Conservatory at Newton Highlands, and the Winchester Community Music School. She is certified as an Early Childhood instructor for KinderMusik® and Music Together®. Her students have been successful in everything from school musical and chorus auditions, to specialist music school applications and the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) auditions.

Melissa has performed all over the US and internationally, including as featured soloist in Westminster Abbey, London, with the Los Angeles Chamber Singers, and as soloist with the San Francisco Chamber Singers, with Musica Sacra, and at TCAN in Natick. She was a semi-finalist in the New York Oratorio Competition.

Melissa has eclectic musical tastes, and loves to sing and teach everything from art song to musical theatre, sacred music, folk and pop.

Meet Melissa

1. How/what age did you start your instrument?
   I remember singing out in church at the age of 5, but mostly started singing in High School, in the chorus and in musicals. I really got my start calling the family cat in from the woods in Alabama! Also singing unaccompanied at night to my favorite Samuel Barber song, “Sure on this Shining Night”. I loved a collection of songs I found on record at the library, of Ned Rorem and Samuel Barber.
2. Did you come from a musical family?
   Yes, my two sisters played the piano very well (always Bach), and the flute. My Grandfather sang in the Met Chorus, on Broadway in the chorus, and in the local choir in his church.
3. Best or funniest (or even worst!) musical memory from childhood?
   Feeling so scared when I had my first solo that my hands shook holding the music - but I told myself it had to get better if I kept up at it!
4. A highlight or two from your performing career:
   Singing in the NEC Chamber Choir under the baton of Tamara Brooks; the Boston Cecilia Singers with Don Teeters, doing Handel Oratorios; and being on tour in London, Taiwan and Japan.
5. What do you love about teaching?
   Everything! - inspiring the students, and the creative process of finding new ideas as a teacher.
6. What would you like your students to know about you?
   I am approachable always and caring, and your ideas and input are important.
7. Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
   I love flowers of all kinds, and love to dance and cook.