Melissa Falkner, a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through Music Teachers National Association, has been teaching piano for over 35 years. Currently an independent teacher in the Greater Kansas City Metro of ages 6-80, she believes in the development of a complete, well-rounded musician beginning with the very first lesson through music reading, rhythm skills, music theory, creativity and ear training.

She has served on the faculties of Lawrence University (Appleton, WI), Manchester Community Music School (NH), Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) and Legacy School of the Arts (Olathe, KS) where she was the Administrative Director of the Music Department and Artistic Director (Piano).

In addition to her private studio, Melissa continues to be an active collaborator in the Kansas City area. While residing in New England, she was a member of the Manchester Chamber Players and New Hampshire Philharmonic. She was a member of the first group invited to attend and perform at the St. Petersburg (Russia) International Piano Seminar.

Melissa received her Master of Music (Piano Performance and Pedagogy) from Northwestern University where she was privileged to work with Frances Larimer, Elvina Truman Pearce, Carmen Or and Laurence Davis. She received her Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance) from the University of Kansas where she studied with Jack Winerock and Flora Silini. Melissa has also worked with such artists as Claude Frank, Richard Goode, John Perry, Vladimir Mischuk and Ludmilla Lifson.

She is a member of MTNA, Kansas MTA, Kansas City Music Teachers Association (KCMTA) and Federated Music Teachers of Kansas City (local level of NFMC). Melissa is the current President of KCMTA as well as a KMTA officer (VP-Public Relations). She is also an active adjudicator and handbell director.