Melanie Catana

Melanie Catana is an Assistant Professor of Vocal Music and Director of Choral Music at Waynesburg University. She leads the Lamplighters Choirs and chapel worship team, teaches voice and music courses, and holds membership in the Dalcroze Society of America and the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania.

Education:

• B.A., Carnegie Mellon University
• M.A., Carnegie Mellon University
• M.M. in Vocal Performance with Music Teaching Certification, Carnegie Mellon University

Performance Highlights: Catana has performed with major opera companies including New York City Opera (Micaela in Carmen), Fresno Opera (Rigoletto), and Pittsburgh Opera (La Bohème, Werther). Concert performances include Carnegie Hall engagements with the New England Symphonic Ensemble (Requiem by Fauré), Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Romeo et Juliette excerpts), and Italy’s Orchestra del Teatro Carlo Felice (under Renata Scotto).

Awards & Training: Recipient of grants from the Shoshana Foundation, Lee Schaenen Foundation, and Opera Index. Advanced training includes Renata Scotto’s Opera Academy in Italy and studies with vocal mentors Mimi Lerner and Joanna Levy.

Teaching & Leadership: Directs university choirs and integrates the Dalcroze method into music pedagogy. Advises through voice lessons and oversees chapel music programs.