Dr. Melissa Morales
Dr. Melissa Morales is a clarinetist, chamber musician, educator, and arts leader originally from the Greater New Orleans area. She currently serves as Director of Clarinet Sales for Schmitt Music in Bloomington, Minnesota, where she works closely with students, educators, and performers throughout the Midwest. She also maintains an active private teaching studio in the Twin Cities, working with students of varying ages and experience levels.
A graduate of University of Maryland, Morales enjoys a diverse career as both a performer and advocate for the clarinet community. She performs regularly with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and will serve as Acting Principal Clarinet of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra for the 2026–2027 season. She is a founding member of the bass clarinet quartet 4 Low Pitches and serves as Artistic Director of the Twin Cities Clarinet Choir, where she is committed to expanding opportunities for clarinetists and promoting collaborative music-making in the region.
Prior to relocating to Minnesota, Morales performed extensively throughout the Chicago and Washington, D.C. areas with ensembles including Potomac Winds, Annapolis Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, the Apollo Orchestra, Chicago Summer Opera, and the Chicago Symphonic Winds, where she also served as Director of Education and Community Outreach. She has appeared at venues such as The Kennedy Center, Strathmore, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and Symphony Center Chicago, and has been featured in recital series and chamber music performances across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In addition to performing and teaching, Morales is passionate about arts leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. Her publications have appeared in The Clarinet journal, and she currently serves on the Executive Board of the International Clarinet Association as Secretary. She has recently been appointed a new grant advisor for the Minnesota State Arts Board for their 2026 Summer Grants cycle.
Morales holds degrees from the University of Maryland, DePaul University, and Louisiana State University, and is passionate about helping students develop both strong technical fundamentals and a lifelong appreciation for music.