Melody Harter

Piano Instruction

Melody Harter began her piano and musical journey at a very young age under the guidance of her first teacher, her mother. Melody believes in bringing the joy and understanding of music making and the fine arts to her teaching and playing. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she approaches pedagogy holistically to enhance and recognize each student’s potential in a positive and interactive learning environment, including musicianship skills, a variety of repertoire, music theory, technique, ensemble and performance experiences, composition, concert outings, and group workshops.

An alumna of the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Melody has held teaching and collaborative accompanist positions at Blair Academy and Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, in Chicago with Music Teachers of Hyde Park and The Music Institute of Lake Forest Symphony, and for a vocal studio at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge. Melody regularly plays and freelances for church services, choirs, numerous Suzuki recitals, and chamber music, as well as collaborates with her fellow pianist-sister, Carol Man Lee. She has performed recitals at University of Chicago’s Noontime Recitals, adjudicated for NC Federation of Music Club, appeared with Roomful of Pianos at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, and was concerto soloist at Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Melody earned her Bachelors of Music in piano performance and received the Founder’s Medal from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Her primary keyboard professors include Amy Dorfman, Enid Katahn, Beth Cormier, Benjamin Yu, and Daniel Fletcher; in addition, she studied composition with Don Freund, winning state and national competitions. Melody also has extensive experience in higher education working in arts management in the Performance Program at the University of Chicago’s Department of Music, as well as in faculty academic affairs and student affairs at Harvard University, University of Chicago, Albion College, and Elon University. Melody enjoys playing the organ and cello, crocheting, exploring all kinds of Asian cuisines, plus attending musical theatre shows and visiting art museums.