MEET MELITA
Melita is our newest teacher to join the ISM team. With many years of teaching experience and involvement in the music industry, she is excited to share her passion and extensive knowledge with our private graduates. Check out our interview below!
What is your background in music, and why do you love it?
I am a music teacher with many years of experience in classroom teaching, conducting choirs, and piano teaching. I have a double teaching degree in Bachelor of Music Education - Primary and Secondary and Graduate Diploma in Education - Secondary, Specialisation in Instrumental Music (Piano) Years 8-10 and Classroom Music Years 8 -12. I possess a strong knowledge of Solfege (attended Solfege lessons for 11 years), different teaching methods of Solfege (Kodaly, Dalcroze etc.), Theory of Music, Harmony, Conduction of choirs, writing arrangements for choirs and bands. I am a classically trained musician, with 10+ years of experience teaching Contemporary Music Programme. I have practical Contemporary Music experience gained through years of playing in a band, making original music, performing, and recording (audio and video). I have also been a recording artist since 2019.
I strive to make music education relevant to students, bring together wide classical and contemporary music knowledge, and pass it to new generations. I always enjoyed music because it brings people together. It also allows me to express myself creatively.
Why did you want to work with ISM?
I wanted to work for ISM because my educational philosophy is very much aligned with the educational philosophy of ISM. My education has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to work in specialists Music Schools. ISM is the school where I can use my knowledge.
What attracted you to our program?
Music, Piano and Musical Literacy are being taught musically. Singing is an integral part of the lessons and students get to develop their singing and aural skills too. That is not something that can be found everywhere and I wanted to be part of it.
Why do you think music education is beneficial for students?
I think that a strong music education is essential for the development of a well - rounded, complete personality. It's important for intellectual and emotional development, as well as the development of fine motor skills. There are many studies done on this topic and they all confirm that the benefits of good music education are going above and beyond just learning music. While a person is engaged in musical activities, their whole brain lights up and starts working. The regular use of all areas of the brain simultaneously is very beneficial for healthy development.
What is your favourite song to play on the piano?
The first piano piece I fell in love with was For Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven. To these days it remains one of my favourites.
Tell us something about you we don’t know yet!
I love spending my free time at the beach, swimming, going for a walk, cooking my food, and making my original music.