Hello and welcome to Le Forte Piano Studio. Have you always wanted to learn to play piano but never got around to it? Or perhaps you'd love for your kids to learn how to play. You have found the right studio then!  I am a small business dedicated to the musical education of children and adults. I am conveniently located in Roseville, MN centrally place between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. I offer many different services at competitive rates. Unlike many larger music studios I offer friendly, personal service. Because I am small I am able to know all my students and work very individually with them to meet their needs.

Mission Statement:
*To nurture and develop the artistic spirit in each student    
*To achieve the highest musical potential of each student through performance, critical listening, technique, history, theory, ear training, and memorization    
*To help you develop a true love for music!

Meet Mellisa

My desire for music began when my father introduced me to piano at a very young age. Music has always been fascinating me. I began taking flute lessons at the age of 5 from a college professor and while in a quest to find a piano teacher I began teaching myself piano. At the age of 17 I was finally able to find a professional pianist 100 miles from home. I took lessons twice a week for two years before beginning college. Once in college I immediately began working towards my degree in piano performance. After my first year I transferred from Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, SD to Golden State Baptist College (GSBC) in Santa Clara, CA. Once in California I changed my major to piano education. It was here that I was fully trained in music theory, musicianship, rhythm and sight singing, piano pedagogy, accompanying, and arranging and composition. I am now in my final year of graduate school pursuing a M.A.M.E (Master of Arts in Music Education) degree with a concentration in piano pedagogy at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, MN (anticipated 2014). I am also a member of the National Music Teacher's Association (MTNA), Minnesota Music Teacher's Association (MMTA), APPI (Association of Professional Piano Instructors), and SPPTA (Saint Paul Piano Teacher's Association), as well as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). 

I taught piano throughout high school and while in college. I was also a music theory tutor while in college.  I completed my degree in piano education in May of 2007.

Other related teaching experience

                           Keyboard Kids, Inc. - Manager & teacher                          
A comprehensive hands on piano studio that incorporates group and private lessons as well as technology enhanced music through various music software programs. I was the manager at one of our 2 studio locations as well as the lead teacher at that studio. Through Keyboard Kids, Inc. I taught approximately 50 students weekly. Keyboard Kids, Inc. has since closed it's doors in that location.

South of the River Music Studio - Private Piano Teacher
This is a privately owned music studio in Lakeville, MN. It contracts teachers to go into students' homes and teach privately lessons. I am one of their many piano teachers that travels the metro teaching students within the comforts of their own homes.

Musika Music Studio - Private Piano Teacher
A NY based company, this studio is much like South of the River Music Studio. As contracted teachers we have the option of teaching in students homes or having students come to our studios. My students through Musika come to me.

Take Lessons.Com - Private Piano Teacher
A California based music studio that connects students with teachers across the country. I have several students through Take Lessons. Com

Jim Laabs Pianos - Piano Tuner
I have done independent contract tuning for Jim Laabs Pianos in Arden Hills, MN. They offer many different packages ranging from their wide range of choices in fine pianos as well as piano rental programs. For more information please contact me for information and a referral!