Music

Melissa Krause

I joined the St. Cloud State University music faculty in 1996. I hold graduate degrees from Florida State University (DM-Composition), the University of MN (MM-Theory/Composition), and the University of WI-Eau Claire (BM-Theory/Composition). During those years, I maintained a strong secondary emphasis in flute performance, and I studied with Tim Lane, Elaine Eagle, Charles DeLaney, and Immanuel Davis. At SCSU I have regularly taught Flute, Music Theory, Musicianship, Orchestration and Woodwind Methods.

Professional highlights over my 25-year career include:

  • Carnegie Hall performance with Trio Lorca as part of the DCINY Concert Series in 2012, and on Fargo Public TV’s “Prairie Musicians” series in 2013
  • Co-authorship of Mastering Musicianship: Hearing What you See; Understanding What you Hear, a workbook for the SCSU musicianship courses
  • Presentations at conferences of the College Music Society, the Minnesota Music Educators Association, and the National Flute Association
  • Featured flutist on the SEAMUS 27 annual compilation CD (New Focus Recordings)
  • Flutist in the National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir in 2007 and 2011
  • Flute/piccolo performances with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra
  • Composition commissions by the Hopkins Westwind Concert Band, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Wind Ensemble, the NorthWind Trio, and Trio Lorca
  • Composition awards from the ASCAP Foundation and the Central MN Arts Board
  • Composer-in-residence at the third annual Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute

My music theory and musicianship courses are taught in an active environment that promotes learning, with an emphasis on application to students’ respective careers and interests in music. I enjoy learning and implementing innovative methods to develop students’ skills in analysis, sight singing, rhythmic independence, dictation, functional piano, and improvisation.

Flute lessons at SCSU are available not only to music majors and minors, but also to non-majors with previous musical experience. My flute studio focuses on individual student development and success, while fostering a culture of peer and group learning with regular opportunities for students to perform chamber repertoire. My flute students frequently win performance scholarships and secure immediate teaching positions after graduation.

My current interests include performing flute works composed in the last few decades, composing chamber works for flute in various combinations, including with effects and looping pedals, and providing clinics for middle and high school flutists throughout central Minnesota.