Mellisa Weinert, MAME, NCTM - CEO & Director of Music & Education, Piano & Flute, Theory & Composition, Flute
Mellisa has pursued her love of music from a very young age. With a passion for quality music and education, she opened Eighty Eight Notes School of Music 2007 where she grew the business to include classes for all ages and stages and all instruments. "My ultimate goal as your teacher is to nurture a genuine love for music.” Mellisa specializes in music theory, composition, curriculum production, and online piano lessons. Her students gain a comprehensive background in the application of music theory, ear training, and repertoire. Mellisa excels in teaching late beginners to advanced students. Mellisa is most passionate about composing, theory, and creativity. Mellisa writes a lot of her own curriculum. She understands that each student has individual specific learning needs and shouldn't be boxed into one curriculum option. So, she often writes what the students needs!
Mellisa was drawn to teaching virtually from her own experiences early on. Growing up on a ranch as a homeschool student she knows first hand that finding music teachers is very challenging in remote areas. She believes every student should get the opportunity to learn music and wanted to provide quality music education no matter the student's location. This also spurred her desire to move home to central SD and open an in person location in her home community. Mellisa said she loves being able to meet and teach students all over the country! Mellisa teaches piano, flute, summer camps, and group classes.
Mellisa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Liturgical Music, with a minor in Flute Performance and Bible in 2007. She received her Master of Arts in Music Education with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy in 2013 from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, a member of the Music Teacher's National Association, and Minnesota Music Educators Association as well as a music education and business consultant for several music schools and private studios around the country and has performed in various countries. EMAIL MELLISA
Mellisa was drawn to teaching virtually from her own experiences early on. Growing up on a ranch as a homeschool student she knows first hand that finding music teachers is very challenging in remote areas. She believes every student should get the opportunity to learn music and wanted to provide quality music education no matter the student's location. This also spurred her desire to move home to central SD and open an in person location in her home community. Mellisa said she loves being able to meet and teach students all over the country! Mellisa teaches piano, flute, summer camps, and group classes.
Mellisa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Liturgical Music, with a minor in Flute Performance and Bible in 2007. She received her Master of Arts in Music Education with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy in 2013 from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, a member of the Music Teacher's National Association, and Minnesota Music Educators Association as well as a music education and business consultant for several music schools and private studios around the country and has performed in various countries. EMAIL MELLISA
Tom McNellis - Voice, Beginning Guitar, Ukulele
Tom McNellis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he studied voice with Dr. Patricia Kent and pedagogy with Dr. Axel Theimer. A lifelong performer, Tom sings as tenor soloist and section leader at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Roseville. A passionate student of American music, he plays banjo and sings in the Twin Cities folk band, Skunk Hollow. He has worked as a choral director, cantor, coach, and emcee. With a holistic approach to vocal education and care, Tom endeavors to explore the energetics of voice as a window into the whole person, toward positive, self-directed growth. EMAIL TOM