DR. MELISSA JEAN SKY-EAGLE
222 N. Avenue 66, Apt. 2
Los Angeles, CA 90042
214.769.6356
mjskyeagle@hotmail.com
www.melissasky-eagle.com
ACADEMIC
Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 2006
Concentration: Piano Performance
Minor Fields: Music Theory/Analysis, Ethnomusicology, Keyboard Collaborative Arts
Major Professor: Dr. Stewart Gordon
Master of Music, The Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, MD, 2003
Concentration: Piano Performance
Major Professor: Mr. Seth Knopp
Bachelor of Music, Summa Cum Laude, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 2001
Concentration: Piano Performance
Major Professor: Professor John Owings, Herndon Professor of Music, Chair of the Piano Division
MAJOR TEACHERS, MASTER CLASSES AND COACHES
Major Teachers
2003-2006
Dr. Stewart Gordon, University of Southern California (piano performance)
Dr. Alan Smith, University of Southern California (keyboard collaborative arts)
2001-2003
Seth Knopp, Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University
1993-2001
Professor John Owings, Texas Christian University
2000
Dr. Harold Martina, Texas Christian University
Master Classes
2000
Jerome Lowenthal, Las Vegas Piano Institute, Las Vegas, NV
Lori Sims, Las Vegas Piano Institute, Las Vegas, NV
Carol Stivers, Las Vegas Piano Institute, Las Vegas, NV
James Giles, Las Vegas Piano Institute, Las Vegas, NV
José Feghali, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
1999
Krassimira Jordan, Russian Pianism Institute, Waco, TX
Wolfgang Watzinger, Russian Pianism Institute, Waco, TX
Yakov Kasman, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
1998
Rebecca Penneys, Chautauqua Piano Institute, Chautauqua, NY
Tony Caramia, Chautauqua Piano Institute, Chautauqua, NY
Santiago Rodriguez, Chautauqua Piano Institute, Chautauqua, NY
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
Jerome Lowenthal, TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, Fort Worth, TX
Piero Rattalino, TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, Fort Worth, TX
David Dubal, TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, Fort Worth, TX
Brian Marks, Baylor University Keyboard Institute, Waco, TX
Jane Abbott-Kirk, Baylor University Keyboard Institute, Waco, TX
André-Michel Schub, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Krassimira Jordan, New Orleans Institute for the Performing Arts, New Orleans, LA
Martin Jones, New Orleans Institute for the Performing Arts, New Orleans, LA
Krassimira Jordan, Baylor University Keyboard Institute, Waco, TX
Jane Abbott-Kirk, Baylor University Keyboard Institute, Waco, TX
Alexander Lonquich, TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, Fort Worth
Luidmila Roshehina, Russian International Institute of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia
TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, Fort Worth
Piano Coaches
2003
Dr. Harold Martina, Texas Christian University
2001
Warren Jones, Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY
2001
Pavlina Dokovska, Mannes College of Music, New York
2000
Dr. Harold Martina, Texas Christian University
Chamber Music Coaches
2005
Jim Walker, Conservatory of Music of The Colburn School, Los Angeles, CA
Principal Flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
2001-2003
Seth Knopp, Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University
2003
Michael Kannen, Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University
Vocal Coach
1997-1998
Raymond Bazemore, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Church Accompanist, November 2010 to the present
Covenant Community Church, Orange, California
Church Keyboardist, December 2007 to November 2010
La Mirada United Methodist Church, La Mirada, California
Musical Director, August, 2006 to 2012
Class Act Musical Theatre, Woodland Hills, California
Musical theater direction including teaching songs to children (7-12), teenagers, and adults, hiring and
rehearsing the band/orchestra, and playing keyboards for all productions.
Adjunct Piano Instructor, Fall, 2003 to the present
California Baptist University, Riverside, California
Private piano instruction of university graduate and undergraduate music majors and minors, teaching a
range of beginning, intermediate, and advanced students.
Taught both undergraduate and graduate sections of Keyboard Literature.
Piano Instructor, November, 2006 to June, 2007
Old Town Conservatory of Music, Pasadena, California
Private piano instruction of children and teenagers, ranging in age from 5 to 17, teaching a range of
beginning, intermediate, and advanced students.
(Reason for leaving: the school closed.)
Piano Instructor, June, 2006 to November, 2006
Seoul Academy of Music, La Crescenta, California
Private piano instruction of children and teenagers, ranging in age from 5 to 17, teaching a range of
beginning, intermediate, and advanced students.
Church Musician, December, 2005 to December 2007
El Segundo United Methodist Church, El Segundo, California
Graduate Teaching Assistant in Music Theory, Fall 2001 through May, 2003
The Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Courses: Music Theory I (basics), Music Theory II (counterpoint, form and analysis), Music Theory III
(advanced form and analysis, 20th Century techniques), Graduate Music Theory Review (overview of
music theory). Responsible for classroom teaching, individual tutoring, preparation of lesson plans and
tests, and administering examinations.
Conservatory-Certified Graduate Accompanist, Fall, 2001 through Spring 2003
The Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Accompanied:
vocalists and instrumentalists for rehearsals, vocal and instrumental juries, performances, and recitals,
Opera rehearsals and performances both on-campus and off-campus.
Staff Accompanist, Spring 2003
New Wave Civic Chorus, Baltimore, Maryland
Director: Mary Evans (410) 377-6222
Vocal Coach and Studio Accompanist, Fall 1996 through Spring 2001
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Voice Studio Teacher: Associate Professor Raymond Bazemore
One-on-one study in vocal coaching technique with former Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone
Studied vocal diction and pronunciation of English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Latin
University-Approved Undergraduate Accompanist, Fall, 1996 through Spring 2001
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Accompanied: vocalists, instrumentalists, pianists, Opera Workshop, Choral Union
Supervisor: Janet Pummill, Coordinator of Accompanying and Class Piano
Church Musician: Summer 2000 through Summer 2001
South Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Fort Worth, TX
Accompanied congregational music, choirs, soloists, performed offertories, preludes, service
music, played for weddings, funerals, etc.
Supervisors: Burr Phillips, Sharon Grahnquist, Ministers of Music
Church Pianist, Fall 1997 through Spring 2000
Springdale Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX
Accompanied congregational music, choirs, soloists, performed offertories, preludes, service
music, praise ensemble keyboards, played for weddings, funerals, special occasions, etc.
Supervisor: Rev. Jerry Campbell, Senior Pastor
Church Pianist, Spring 1995 through Summer 1996
Highland Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
Accompanied congregational music, choirs, soloists, performed offertories, preludes, service
music, played for weddings, funerals, special occasions, etc.
Supervisor: Rev. Jan Daehnert, Pastor
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society
Golden Key International Honour Society
Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity
Music Teachers National Association
Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS AND GRANTS
Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Fraternity Scholar (Margaret C. Berry Fellowship)
The American College of Musicians “Top Five” Scholars Award
Beau Bogan Foundation Award
Dallas Woman’s Club Scholar
Eddleman-McFarland Foundation Award
Ethel and Emery Fast Foundation Scholar
Eubie Blake and Marion Tyler Blake Foundation Award
Fort Worth Music Teachers Association Award
Girl’s Service League, Fort Worth Award
Harmony Club of Fort Worth Award
International Mu Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Marian Bowker Davidson Award
International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons of Chautauqua, NY Scholar
KLTY Student of the Week Award
Lampstand Foundation Scholar
Lifetouch Corporation Richard P. Erickson Scholar
Mari’s Foundation Award
National Guild of Piano Teachers, Cliburn Family and Rildia B. Cliburn Memorial Award
National Merit Foundation Scholar
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Native American Scholar
The Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Michael Bloomberg Scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Full-tuition during Master of Music program
Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society Academic Award
Stickney Educational Trust Award
Sumasil Foundation Award
Texas Christian University Dean’s Scholar (4 years)
Texas Christian University Nordan Fine Arts Scholarship Award (4 years)
Texas Jaycees Scholarship Award
Texas Music Teachers Association Award
U. S. Achievement Academy Award
University of Southern California Alumni Club of North Texas Award
University of Southern California Dean’s Award
University of Southern California Town and Gown Scholar (three years during the Doctor of Musical Arts
program)
Weems Foundation Scholar
Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Educational Communications Scholarship Award
Zimmer Foundation Award
ADDITIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS
2006
Top Doctoral Graduate – USC Flora L. Thornton School of Music
Recognition by Pi Kappa Lambda and USC Thornton School of Music Faculty
2001
TCU Chancellor’s Award (recognition as 2001 Top Undergraduate - 4.0 GPA)
1997-2001
TCU Distinguished Academic Scholar
2001
Academic Achievement Award for Excellence awarded by TCU Minority Leadership
Council
2001
Chancellor’s Commission on the Future of TCU (Fine Arts Representative)
2000 & 2001 USA Today All-USA Academic Team
2000
Academic Achievement Award for Excellence awarded by TCU Minority Leadership
Council
2000
Pi Kappa Lambda Academic Music Fraternity (outstanding undergraduate)
2000
USAA All-American Collegiate Scholar
1999
Golden Key National Honor Society
1998
Alpha Lambda Delta National Freshman Academic Honor Society Award
1998
Marion Bowker Davidson Accompanying Award
Mu Phi Epsilon National Music Fraternity
1998
Outstanding Native America Scholar Award
International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons
1997-1998
National Dean’s List for Outstanding College Students
1997
Inclusion in Who’s Who Among American High School Students
1997
National Merit Scholar (selection by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation)
1996
National Merit Semi-Finalist and Finalist (selection by NMSC)
1996
University of Texas Academic Honors Colloquium
1996
Baylor University - Invitation to Leadership Symposium
REFERENCES
Dr. Stewart Gordon, Professor, Flora L. Thornton School of Music
University of Southern California, University Park Campus
830 W. 34th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0056
(213) 740-7703
Letters of Reference File is available upon request from:
Office of Career Counseling and Placement
The Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University
One East Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2397
(410) 659-8138
The Peabody packet contains letters of recommendation from the following persons:
Dr. Kip Wile, Professor of Music Theory
Mr. Michael Kannen, Director of Chamber Music
Dr. Vern C Falby, Professor of Music Theory
Mr. Seth Knopp, Piano/Chamber Music faculty
Dr. Eileen Soskin, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
The following persons may be contacted for academic, professional, and personal references:
Professor John Owings, Herndon Professor of Music, Chair of the Piano Division
Texas Christian University School of Music
TCU Box 297500
Fort Worth, TX 76129-7500
(817) 257-7602
Mr. Harold Martina, Artist-in-Residence (piano)
Texas Christian University School of Music
TCU Box 297500
Fort Worth, TX 76129-7500
(817) 257-7602