bassoon teacher las vegas

 Melody Millett is a freelance performer and music educator. Growing up in Southern California’s South Bay, Melody was involved in school jazz and marching bands. She became lead alto sax in her high school jazz band, and principal oboe and later bassoon in the South Bay Youth Orchestra. She received a scholarship to attend the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Bassoon Performance in 2002. At CalArts, she collaborated on mixed-media works with dancers and the theater school, and also played on the soundtracks of student animated shorts. Her musical studies focused on classical and contemporary chamber music, working with composers such as James Tenney and Lucky Mosko. In addition to being involved in several ensembles, Melody participated in world music ensembles spanning the music cultures of West Africa, Bali and Northern India.

 

After college Melody built her own private saxophone and bassoon teaching studio. She played with the Carson-Dominguez Symphony, El Camino College orchestra and Symphonic Band, Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra and the Golden State Pops Orchestra (GSPO). The GSPO allowed her the opportunities to work with legendary film composers such as Christopher Lennertz (Medal of Honor, video game) and John Ottman (Fantastic Four, Superman Returns). Melody also played in the west coast live orchestra premiere of John Williams “Battle of the Heroes” from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.  Mrs. Millett moved to North Las Vegas in 2009.  Since then she has played bassoon with the North Las Vegas Stake Orchestra and the CSN orchestra. She is also found performing gigs throughout Las Vegas.

 

Melody has been involved with young musicians since 1996, teaching DK-5th grade music in the Palos Verdes, CA, elementary schools and mentoring young woodwind sections of the Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra and the South Bay Youth Orchestra. She prides herself on being able to play every wind and brass instrument (Thanks to great Music Ed classes!). Mrs. Millett also has experience conducting Elementary school choruses and string ensembles, and being the choir director at church. Melody is also an accomplished bassoon reedmaker.