Melissa Brunkan

About

Dr. Melissa C. Brunkan is an Associate Professor of Music Education (Choral) and Area Chair for Music Education at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, where she joined the faculty in 2017. She is an expert in vocal pedagogy, conducting, and music education with 25+ years of experience teaching singers across all ages and skill levels. Dr. Brunkan conducts the University Singers choir at the University of Oregon and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in choral conducting, vocal pedagogy, and teaching methods. Her research focus includes vocal pedagogy, lifespan voice development, singers with medical voice conditions, conductor behaviors, and adolescent vocal development. Prior to joining the University of Oregon, she spent twelve years teaching in public and private schools across the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago regions, serving students from pre-K through adulthood with a particular focus on secondary choral instruction. She has extensive professional experience working with opera companies and theater organizations throughout the United States as both a conductor and vocal coach. Dr. Brunkan has founded innovative community ensembles including a choir for adults with intellectual disabilities and an online choir for caregivers of chronically ill children, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive music education.

Education & Qualifications

PhD in Music Education, The University of Kansas (2012); Master of Music in Voice and Opera, Northwestern University (1999); Bachelor of Music in Music Education, University of Minnesota (1995)

Teaching Styles