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Expertise: Flute performance and orchestral repertoire
Educational Background
Bio Sketch
A native of East Greenbush, New York, Melissa Mielens received her B.M. and M.M. from New England Conservatory, both with distinction in performance. As one of the youngest recipients of a Fulbright grant she had the opportunity to study in Paris with Alain Marion. Other teachers include Leone Buyse, John Heiss and Fenwick Smith.
Ms. Mielens has traveled throughout the world playing with various orchestras, including a tour of Japan with the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, the United Kingdom with the New World Symphony and tours of Europe and South America with the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra. She is currently principal flutist with the Symphony of Indian Hill, and has also played principal flute with the Portland Symphony, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Springfield Symphony, New Hampshire Symphony and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. Ms. Mielens has been a featured soloist with the Indian Hill Symphony and New England Conservatory Symphony.
Ms. Mielens has been a prizewinner in several national and regional competitions, including the James Pappoutsakis Flute Competition and the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition. She has been featured on Boston area radio stations, including live performances on WGBH's "Boston Performances" and "Morning Pro Musica".
In addition to being on the faculty of UMass Lowell, Ms. Mielens has an active studio and also teaches at Phillips Exeter Academy. Her students have been accepted to the Curtis Institute of Music, Tanglewood Institute and the Interlochen Performing Arts Academy and are regularly invited to participate in music festivals and masterclasses throughout the Northeast.