Melissa Rooklidge

About

Melissa Rooklidge is a Lecturer in Music Performance at Ithaca College's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, currently serving as the visiting director of Treble Chorale at Ithaca College (fall 2024). She is also the founder and director of the Odyssey Choir at Opus Ithaca School of Music, where she leads four choral ensembles spanning youth through adults. Ms. Rooklidge brings extensive experience in music education, choir direction, voice teaching, and conducting across educational and community settings. She holds a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University, where she studied conducting with renowned pedagogues Dr. André Thomas and Dr. Kevin Fenton. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education with a Voice Concentration from Texas Tech University, where she was mentored by Dr. Susan Brumfield. Her teaching approach emphasizes Kodály musicianship methods and sight-singing instruction. From 2021-2023, she served on faculty at the Ithaca Waldorf School, teaching general music classes and choir to grades 1-8. She has also served as Assistant Music Director for GMChorale in Connecticut and founded the Waterbury Youth Chorus. Fluent in Italian, she has taught internationally including in Italy.

Education & Qualifications

Master of Music Education, Florida State University (conducting with Dr. André Thomas and Dr. Kevin Fenton). Bachelor of Music Education with Voice Concentration, Texas Tech University (mentored by Dr. Susan Brumfield).

Teaching Styles