Melissa Koonce has taught 6-12 grade orchestra in the Independence School District for the past sixteen years. She earned a B.S. in Music Education from William Jewell College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Baker University. Melissa is currently completing a Doctorate in Music Education from Boston University, and has presented her research in growth mindset and music learning at the Missouri Music Educator’s Conference (2023) and theAmerican String Teacher’s Association National Conference (2023).
Melissa has served as the MMEA District #3 Kansas City Metro Vice President for Orchestra from 2014-2016. Currently, she active on the board of the American String Teacher’s Association Missouri chapter and serves as the All-State Orchestra audition coordinator and registration chair. Melissa is an active string clinician and adjudicator. She resides in Kansas City with her husband, Brian, and they are looking forward to adopting their first child in the near future.