Julie Ann Dieltz is a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Julie graduated from Abilene Christian University with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She recently completed the Master of Music program Southern Methodist University as the recipient of the Meadows Artistic Scholarship.

Julie’s musical career began singing in her church with her mom accompanying her. She also has played piano since age 8 and has played percussion throughout middle and high school.

As an undergraduate student, Julie performed roles as the mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, and many scene productions. Her most recent role was as Magda Sorel in Menotti’s The Consul while at Abilene Christian University. While at SMU, Julie performed with the Meadows Opera Theater in Le nozze di Figaro as Marcellina and Albert Herring as Lady Billows. She was also a soloist in the Abilene Classical Chorus’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah and in Vivaldi’s Gloria in D at The University of South Dakota. In the Fall of 2013, Julie will also be performing the role of Rebecca the world premier opera A New Nation, a retelling of the story of Jacob and Essau.

Outside of music, Julie enjoys going back to the Midwest to spend time with family and friends. She also loves the Minnesota Twins, traveling, and shopping whenever possible!

Marissa Messina brings more than 25 years’ experience teaching piano and voice for all ages and levels of learning. Her teaching experience started when she was a college student and former founder of Messina Studios, where her students’ recitals incorporated a multi-arts approach with drama, ensemble and musical theatre to build the whole musician. They featured all genres and styles of music from classical to contemporary.

Marissa received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Southern Methodist University with a merit scholarship under the tutelage of DSO artist-in-residence Alfred Mouledous. She competed and was awarded one of two full stipend/scholarships to study with acclaimed international pianist and recording artist Mme. Lili Kraus, founding board member and judge of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and artist-in-residence at TCU, where Marissa completed a Master of Music in Piano Performance.

At a young age, Marissa was awarded study with artist Elaine de Kooning. From childhood, Marissa studied extensively with esteemed Fulbright scholar and winner Dr. Donna O’Steen Edwards. While at TCU on stipend, she became co-teacher with Dr. Edwards, both for campus TCU students and for Dr. Edwards’ private studio. Marissa studied voice with Dr. Joan Wall at Texas Women’s University with focus on opera, cabaret, musical theatre and contemporary styles. She has been coached by vocalist Adrianna Hardy and drama and vocal coach Arthur Lessac.

Marissa takes pleasure and pride in molding the “total musician” for any age, musical interest or endeavor and in imparting a well-rounded awareness and joy of music as a lifelong lifestyle. In fact, over the years, she often hears from and loves to keep up with former students who have continued to report on their love of music or professional careers in the field. Examples include a jazz/pop vocalist award recipient of the Muhammed Ali Award, a cabaret NYC circuit vocalist, and a community college piano instructor.

Marissa comes from a family of music enthusiasts. Her grandfather from Italy was first chair clarinet with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Her father was a vocal student of renowned Baron Curci and held first chair clarinet with the Los Angeles Community Student Orchestra at a time when John Philip Sousa was commissioned a commemorative composition for the group.

In addition to teaching, Marissa works as a professional artist and also enjoys freelance writing and composing.