Melissa Mills

Voice Lessons with Dr. Melissa Mills, Ph.D.
Award-Winning Composer | Choral Conductor | Voice Teacher with 30+ Years of Experience

Great singing is both an art and a skill—and every singer deserves the opportunity to discover what their voice can truly do.

I’m Dr. Melissa Mills, a professional music educator, award-winning composer, choral conductor, and voice teacher with more than 30 years of teaching experience. I hold a Ph.D. in Choral Music Education from Michigan State University, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping musicians of all ages develop their abilities, discover their artistic potential, and experience the joy of making beautiful music.

My professional background includes teaching at the University of Maryland School of Music, directing award-winning choral programs, conducting youth and adult ensembles, and working with singers at every stage of musical development. I am the founder and artistic director of Utah Youth Singers and Bel Canto Women’s Chorus, and my compositions and arrangements have received national recognition, including a first-place award from the American Choral Directors Association.

But perhaps my greatest professional satisfaction comes from working individually with students—helping someone discover a beautiful sound they didn’t know they could make, overcome a technical challenge, or find the confidence to share their voice with others.
My Approach to Teaching Voice
I believe that everyone can learn to sing better, and that excellent vocal technique should be accessible, understandable, and enjoyable.

No two voices are alike. That’s why I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to singing. Each lesson is carefully tailored to the student’s age, experience, musical interests, vocal development, and individual goals.

My teaching combines a strong foundation in vocal pedagogy with practical, engaging instruction. We work on the essential elements of healthy, expressive singing, including:

• Breath management and support: Learning to coordinate breathing and singing for greater freedom, stability, and control.
• Vocal tone and resonance: Discovering a beautiful, balanced sound without unnecessary tension or strain.
• Expanding vocal range: Developing greater flexibility, consistency, and confidence throughout the voice.
• Vocal registers: Learning to navigate transitions between chest voice, head voice, and mixed coordination.
• Pitch accuracy and ear training: Developing the listening and coordination skills necessary for accurate, confident singing.
• Diction and expression: Communicating the meaning of a song through clear language, thoughtful phrasing, and musical artistry.
• Musicianship and sight-reading: Building the musical independence that allows singers to learn new music with confidence.
• Performance confidence: Developing the skills and self-assurance to communicate comfortably and expressively in front of others.

I place a strong emphasis on helping students understand how their voices work. Rather than simply asking a student to imitate a sound, I help them discover the physical coordination and musical choices that produce it. Through carefully selected exercises, vocalises, repertoire, and constructive feedback, students learn to become increasingly independent, capable singers.
What Music Will We Sing?
One of the joys of teaching voice is exploring the tremendous variety of music available to singers!

I work with students interested in classical singing, musical theater, contemporary styles, folk songs, art songs, and choral repertoire. Repertoire is selected thoughtfully to suit each student’s voice, developmental stage, interests, and goals.

For younger singers and beginners, we focus on establishing healthy habits, developing musical confidence, and building a foundation for continued growth. For more experienced singers, lessons can include advanced vocal technique, interpretation, audition preparation, stylistic development, and more challenging repertoire.

Whether you’re preparing for a school musical, an honor choir audition, a solo performance, college music study, or simply want to become a more confident singer, we’ll develop a plan that helps you make meaningful progress.
More Than Just Singing Lessons
My extensive experience as a conductor, composer, and music educator gives me a particularly broad perspective on vocal development. I understand not only how to help singers produce a beautiful sound, but also how to help them become thoughtful, expressive, musically literate artists.

I believe excellent teaching balances high expectations with encouragement, curiosity, and genuine enjoyment. Students should leave their lessons feeling challenged, successful, and excited to continue learning.

Above all, I want my students to experience the extraordinary satisfaction that comes from discovering what they are capable of.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced singer ready for the next challenge, I would love to help you discover and develop your unique voice.

Voice lessons are offered through The Music Studio in Farmington, Utah.