Melissa Miller Joins Music Team at SFLS
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to share that Mrs. Melissa Miller joined the music team at Sioux Falls Lutheran School in the fall of 2021.
Mrs. Miller grew up in Hosmer, SD, a small town near Aberdeen. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in music education from South Dakota State University, where she also met her husband Eric. They were married in 2005 and lived in Madison, SD, for 15 years. Mrs. Miller taught elementary general music, preschool music, and private lessons for voice, piano, and guitar at Madison Christian School while her children also attended school there.
In July, 2020, the Millers moved to Sioux Falls and their children began attending SFLS. Mrs. Miller spent last school year tutoring and subbing at SFLS. This year, she is teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade general music, beginning band, and private lessons on trumpet, voice and piano. She also accompanies and assists the high school, middle school, and 4th and 5th grade choirs.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Mrs. Miller and her passion for music education.
How did you decide to pursue a career in music education?
My grandmother started me on piano when I was four. My Sunday school teacher was an amazing soprano. My high school music teacher was awesome. My parents pushed me to practice and perform. God placed these people in my life to teach and inspire me. I always enjoyed music and knew I wanted to be a teacher. It was a pretty clear decision.
Tell me a bit about your teaching style.
I like hands-on learning. I also try to make my classroom a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and digging into the very vast world of music. I love learning things from my students, making music with them, getting to know them outside of music class, and experiencing all of the music that God has given us. My goal for students, even if music may not be one of their gifts, is that they would build a great appreciation for music.
What are you enjoying about your return to music education?
I love teaching elementary age students, but I am also enjoying my time working with older students because we can go deeper and learn more rhythms, music theory, instruments, genres, history, and elements. I have also really enjoyed growing myself and getting to learn and relearn instruments and content that I didn't teach at my previous position. It's so wonderful being back in the music classroom!
How do you envision integrating faith into your classroom daily?
It's so amazing being able to use Jesus as an example for our lives. I enjoy praying with my students and sharing their struggles and victories. There are so many examples of music and instruments and singing praises in the Bible that can be referred to in the classroom. I use Christian songs and hymns in every classroom to learn chords, rhythms, theory, etc.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our mission is to develop capable, Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners who use their gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, in faith, to touch a troubled world with God’s grace.