Latest News from Melissa - March 2026

Check the Appearances page for the latest news about Melissa's upcoming performances.

Greetings from the "JAZZMOM"

Latest News

Greetings friends/fans and curious onlookers,

Well…I did it. I retired from the Anchorage School District last May after 16 years of being a choir director. What a great “ride” I had while teaching amazing students, making fantastic music, and creating special friendships with my colleagues. When you add that to the 16 years of teaching private piano lessons in the 80’s and 90’s…WOW. That’s 32 years of music instruction. During those years, I attempted to share my passion for commitment, hard work, professionalism and musical integrity. Fingers crossed that I achieved those goals!

Now, I am loving life with plenty of time for travel, practicing in my piano studio, exercising on my new Peloton, dog walking and spending time with my awesome husband and kids. No complaints here whatsoever!

I am having a blast performing in a super cool horn band called KonneXion. Think “Tower of Power”, “Earth Wind and Fire”, Chaka Khan and more. Recently, we had some big fun playing at “Humpy’s” and are looking forward to some more shows this summer. Keep checking out my website for dates. Of course, I am still making fantastic music with my “jazz guys”. “Jazzmom & Co. has several events on the horizon, and I continue to pinch myself to make sure I’m not just dreaming when I get to share the bandstand with the amazing Dirk Westfall (for 30+ years now), Pat Owens, and drummers like Cameron Cartland, John Damberg and other. Don’t forget the occasional appearance of Ray Ash tearing it up on guitar too. I am a lucky Jazzmom.

I wish you peace, happiness and lots of great music. Support live music in Anchorage and come out and say “hey”.

Be Kind and Sing On,

Jazzmom