Cellist, Melisa Rose began playing at age 9. She has since performed as a soloist and with various ensembles throughout the U.S. and internationally. During her intermediate and high school years in Mesa, AZ, Melisa received many honors including places in the Phoenix Symphony Guild, Metro-Pops and MTNA Competitions. In 2000, she obtained her Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance from the Oberlin Conservatory, where she was a student of Andor Toth, Jr. She further gained her Master of Music degree in cello performance from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
In 2001, Melisa relocated to Texas in order to pursue doctoral studies under the tutelage of Mstislav Rostropovich protege, Vagram Saradjian at the Moore's School of Music within the University of Houston. While at UH, Melisa focused her attention heavily on modern solo and chamber music, performing with the school's contemporary chamber ensemble, AURA. In this connection, she performed several contemporary works in live radio broadcasts. She also engaged in collaborations with several distinguished living composers, premiering pieces written for her by Justin Henry, Josh Vinci and Henry Rose.
Melisa has received mentoring from the St. Petersburg Quartet, the Colorado Quartet, and the Eroica Trio. She has also performed in masterclasses with James Buswell, Peter Howard and Carter Brey. In 2002, Melisa performed with members of the Prague-based Martinů Quartet while studying with the group in the Czech Republic. In 2013, she made her Central American solo debut, performing at the Ateneo, Cuidad del Saber in Panama City, Panama.
In Houston, Melisa performed as a member of Houston New Arts Movement (HNAM), and as a core member of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. She additionally enjoyed teaching privately and performing freelance and with various groups of performers, including The Musica Viva Ensemble.
In August 2016, Melisa left Houston for Pennsylvania, where she has collaborated in performances by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), and Johnstown-Pitt Music Departments. She also currently acts as a section substitute in the Johnstown Symphony.
Melisa's upcoming plans include relocation to Phoenix, AZ, where she anticipates performing and teaching throughout the greater metropolitan area.
