Testimonials
“Melissa has been nothing short of the most positive impact on my career as a musician to date. I was able to finally apply years of skills in a way that made sense and felt right in only our first session. I could not ask for a more grounded, understanding and supportive mentor in a voice teacher. No matter where you are in your career as an artist, Melissa will help you not only figure out where you should go next, but how to get you there.”
Victoria Cannon - Vocal Instructor at Peachtree Learning Center, Carson-Newman University, BM
“Melissa is one of the most compassionate vocal educators I have ever worked with. Her attention to the matters of music and vocal technique coalesces with that of her genuine interest in the singer's heart. She understands that the gift of the voice stems from God and approaches her pedagogical approach with this in mind. She prepared me to audition for Nashville Opera's "Opera on Wheels" which I was accepted into. Her expertise across classical, baroque, contemporary and crossover genres, prepares any singer to be well-rounded and perform at their peak. Her kindness, networks in the music world, and intelligence make her an outstanding mentor and teacher.”
Ashley Willits - Music Instructor at Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt University, Franklin Road Academy Choral Director,B. A. University of California, Santa Barbara and M.A. Santa Clara University. M.M. San Jose State University, D.M.A. Candidate
"I’ve trained with Melissa Shippen Burrows since I was 11, and she is the reason I’m ready for the world’s biggest stages. From the intensity of television sets and Broadway to the prestige of Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, her coaching has been my foundation. Her studio and touring support keeps my voice bulletproof on the road, and her Juilliard-level expertise gives me an edge that most performers my age don't have. Melissa doesn’t just teach you to sing, she prepares you for a professional career at the highest level."
Sam Pio - Christian Recording Artist, Song Writer
"I first started working with Melissa six years ago while preparing for my doctoral auditions. The result of that work was a full ride to the university of my choice. I have worked with her on three recitals, including a world premiere of a new sacred song cycle, and have been under her tutelage consistently since that first lesson. As a university faculty member, musical theater director, and opera director, having a consistent presence in my regular routine has been a godsend. Melissa has helped me keep my voice healthy, which in turn keeps my students healthy. I always glean new information from my lessons to share with my own students. Over the years, Melissa has become a friend, and I believe her consistent encouragement and excellent teaching technique will help anyone who sings with her."
Judith Shelton - MM, Adjunct Professor of Voice - School of Communication and Performing Arts - Department of Music and Theatre Arts at East Texas Baptist University, DMA Candidate at University of Memphis
"Working with Melissa has been one of my greatest blessings as a musician. Not only has her teaching made me a better singer and performer, but her faith-filled mentorship has helped me navigate the tricky balancing act that is motherhood and music. Together, we’ve discovered new parts of my voice, cultivated existing skills, and explored a multitude of genres and styles to find what makes me the best version of myself onstage. I am better for having worked with her and wish everyone could experience the joy and freedom of working with such an outstanding voice teacher and mentor."
Jessamyn Anderson Frain - BM in Vocal Performance, Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
"I have taken lessons from Melissa for over 8 years, and to say it has been life changing is an understatement. Her encouraging teaching style is refreshing and her capabilities are phenomenal. Her own career and voice are inspiring to her students, and I have found so much confidence and growth in my own vocal career under her guidance. She instills a love for music and singing in each lesson!"
Olivia Atkinson - Lead singer of Aster Music, Vocal Teacher at a Non-profit Arts Center Peachtree Learning Center
"Melissa is a fantastic vocal instructor and coach who I would recommend in a heartbeat for vocalists of any genre. Between her Juilliard training and her professional singing experience, there isn’t a lot she doesn’t know about not just great singing technique but the industry itself. I worked with her for over a year and experienced enormous improvement in my technique and range as well as wonderful support as an artist and songwriter. In addition to her skillfulness as an instructor, she is a kind and caring person who is a complete pleasure to work with. You will not find better in Nashville!"
Rachel Cary
"I’ve been taking lessons with Mrs. Melissa for a couple of years now, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them! She has helped me overcome the technical challenges I faced with my voice. Not only does she focus on the technical aspects of a piece, but she also emphasizes the overall musicality required to convey the song’s intended meaning. She makes working on a new song fun and exciting! I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with her."
Rachel Palmer - Music Instructor, NC
"I’ve been taking voice lessons with Mrs. Melissa for several years, and it has been an incredible experience. She is an extremely skilled and knowledgeable teacher with a deep understanding of how the voice works and how to develop it in a healthy, effective way. She helped me overcome technical challenges and completely transformed my voice. She focuses not only on vocal technique but also on musicality, acting, and stage presence, helping students grow into complete artists. Every lesson is fun and engaging, and I always learn something new. She is also incredibly kind and encouraging, which creates a wonderful environment to grow as a singer and performer. I am extremely grateful for the chance to grow under her guidance!"
Livia Palmer Music Instructor, NC
I’ve been working with Melissa for almost a year now, and it has been nothing but a wonderful experience. She is so kind and encouraging. Her teachings and style are immediately applicable to what you are working on in your career. Whether it is singing for a full band show, background vocals, or studio recordings, you will be ready. I’ve grown so much in the time I’ve worked with her, and I and the others who constantly listen to me sing can hear the growth immensely. If you’re looking for your next vocal coach, Melissa is it!
Ash Tabor - Nashville Songwriter & Guitarist
"Mrs. Melissa has taught me so much about technique, my voice, and positivity even in tough times. She has been the loveliest teacher and one of the sweetest people I know. Every time I see her for a lesson, she greets me with a hug and immediate kindness and love. She has been such a great mentor and has helped me train my voice to something I never could have imagined or accomplished with anyone else."
Nora Andrews
"During my time as both a treble and my transition to a Baritone, Melissa Burrows always utilized positive encouragement and clear mental pictures when teaching. She is a teacher who truly has a heart for her students and sees their potential. Melissa helped me develop strong vocal technique which gave me the foundation I needed to begin my journey as a singer.”
Albrecht G. - Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music Pre-College Myra Jackson Vocal Scholar
"I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa for the past six years, primarily in preparation for various auditions and performances. Melissa assisted me with music selection that met the language and style requirements of each audition, but most importantly, fit my vocal range and skill. For performances of specific works, be it opera or oratorio, she provided clear and direct instructions for technique, phrasing, expression, breath control, and diction. She shared her vast experiences of working with various conductors, companies, and settings. Melissa gave me specific directions on how to conduct myself during an audition and performance so that I could feel and look confident and poised. The encouraging and supportive manner with which she approached my lessons immediately put me at ease and confirmed to me that her professionalism comes from a place of excellence and expertise. I look forward to working with her on future endeavors."
Kelli Gilbreath
"Learning from Melissa has been such a joy. Since I have begun taking lessons from her, I have seen tremendous growth with my voice and confidence. She teaches with encouragement and compassion while also pushing me to develop my technique. I cannot express how much she has impacted my journey as a performer and singer."
Madison Patoto - BFA Theatre Performance at Belmont University, MFA Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Melissa is an exceptional voice teacher—insightful, deeply knowledgeable about repertoire, and highly experienced as both a singer and performer herself. Because of her work on stage, she understands not only the artistic side of performing, but also the technical demands of singing roles in a healthy and sustainable way. I’ve worked with her for the past three years since moving from New York to Nashville, and she has consistently been a kind, supportive teacher who both meets you where you are and encourages you to grow. As a coloratura soprano, I especially appreciated how she encouraged me to explore repertoire that strengthened my middle voice and chest register, helping me move toward more lyrical roles while still respecting my love for Baroque music. She has a wonderful ability to challenge singers while still honoring their individual strengths and interests. Melissa was also an incredible support during my pregnancy and postpartum period. I began working with her while pregnant with my first child, and she helped me maintain my voice safely throughout pregnancy and return to singing in a healthy way afterward, with a strong focus on breath, pelvic support, and sustainable technique. I highly recommend her to any singer looking for a thoughtful, experienced, and encouraging teacher.
Michelle Encarnación
