Award-winning violinist Melissa White visits students for a special masterclass

Throughout the year, Key to Change provides special masterclasses with world-class guest artists as part of our program. Last Tuesday, our Renton studio hosted Melissa White, GRAMMY-winning violinist and founding member of the Harlem Quartet.

In front of a packed audience of students, families, and supporters, Melissa worked with four of our students to hone their technique and musicianship. More than many musicians, she understands body alignment and musical expression. Melissa is the co-founder of Intermission Sessions, a groundbreaking program that unites body, mind, breath, and music-making through yoga and meditation. The students who participated said they learned a lot about refining their posture, hand placement, and supporting their playing through their whole body. 

Melissa is an American violinist who has enchanted audiences around the world as both a soloist and chamber musician. She is a first-prize laureate in the Sphinx Competition and has performed with leading U.S. ensembles as the Seattle Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and the Louisville Orchestra. Her film credits include a violin solo in the soundtrack to Jordan Peele’s 2019 film, Us. In addition to her numerous classical performances she has also performed alongside several pop artists including Pharrell, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill. Melissa currently serves as Music Artist Faculty at New York University and as a Professor of Music at the University of Buffalo. She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory.

As a special treat beyond coaching, Melissa performed two pieces for the captive audience. She shared that one of her favorite pieces of music is by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, Violin Sonata No. 3, which reminds her of a heartbeat. Melissa also enjoys Adagio from Sonata No. 1 by Bach.