Home » Jazz Musicians » Melissa Jean
Melissa Jean
Melissa has had the honor of performing with many legendary jazz musicians including Benny Golson, Alice Coltrane, Roy Haynes, Charlie Haden, Ravi Coltrane, Terence Blanchard, Carl Allen, Wes Anderson, Steve Turre, Dave Liebman, Gerald Wilson, and Patti Austin.
She has made several appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as part of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program in 2009 and 2006, led by Dr. Billy Taylor and Nathan Davis, and as part of the 2006 International Association for Jazz Education(IAJE) Sisters in Jazz Quintet at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. Other notable venues that Melissa has performed at in New York City include The Garage, Perk’s, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, and The Blue Note.
Past employment opportunities include working with various bands on Carnival Cruise Lines and at Disneyland. For two years, she played regularly with the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra and worked as a mentor for the Detroit Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Rodney Whitaker in Detroit, MI. Currently she performs weekly with her jazz hip-hip collaboration, The Apollo Project, at Perk’s Jazz Club in Harlem.
Melissa currently lives in New York City, and is pursuing her master’s degree in jazz performance at The Juilliard School where she studies with Steve Turre. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree at The University of Michigan where she studied with Dennis Wilson. Former teachers also include Curtis Fuller and Wycliffe Gordon.
Tags
Primary Instrument
Trombone
Credentials/Background
Trombone * Each lesson is designed for the specific needs of the student * All ages * 30-60 minute lessons, depending on the level of the student * Emphasis on tone quality, articulation, slide technique, and breathing * Instruction available in classical and jazz theory, composition, and arranging * Repertoire ranges from classical etudes and solos to jazz standards, improvisation, and jazz big band section work Piano for Tots * Great with children! * Experienced teaching young beginners from as young as age five * Beginning piano with a focus on basic note-spelling skills, rhythms, techniques and ear training * Unique interactive music games keep young musicians attentive and keeps it fun! * Although my main focus is now trombone, I have studied classical and jazz piano for many years and I love to teach and play the piano as a secondary instrument * Even if your child plays an instrument other than piano, having basic piano proficiency can help improve understanding and knowledge of music in general and will be necessary to learn in the long run if your student decides to become serious about music.
