Melissa Kindy is a candidate for the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Clarinet Performance & Literature at the Eastman School of Music. Prior to her time at Eastman, Melissa received Master of Music degrees in Clarinet Performance and Chamber Music Performance from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from Stetson University. Melissa holds professional memberships in the International Clarinet Association, College Music Society, Chamber Music America, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
Melissa has performed in a multitude of settings while pursuing her degrees. Large ensemble experience includes performing with the esteemed Eastman Wind Ensemble, Eastman Philharmonia, Ossia New Music, and the University of Michigan Symphony Band and Philharmonia Orchestra. She also performed as a soloist with the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra in 2011 for winning an award in the annual Concerto Competition. To broaden her knowledge and experience, Melissa has participated in performance programs such as the Marrowstone Music Festival and Buffet Crampon USA Summer Clarinet Academy. In addition, Melissa is an avid advocate of chamber music. She has performed with various types of chamber ensembles and enjoys the individuality of each instrumental combination, as well as the resulting opportunities to participate in community outreach
Teaching is a primary focus of Melissa’s musical career. While at Eastman, Melissa was a Teaching Assistant for the clarinet studio, teaching courses in secondary clarinet lessons and doubling for jazz majors, and coaching chamber music. She has also taught on the faculties of the summer programs Eastman@Keuka, MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute, and the Stetson University Clarinet Clinic. Melissa currently holds a private clarinet studio and gives masterclasses at middle schools, high schools, and colleges around the country.