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Melissa Livings

Melissa Livings began her music career in the Paris ISD band programs. Under the direction of director and mentor, Mr. Gary Meggs, she was a flutist in the Paris HS Wind Ensemble, bassist in the PHS Jazz Band and Drum Major of the Wildcat Marching Band.

From 1996-2002, Mrs. Livings was inspired to military service by her HS band director and joined as the youngest member of the 531st Texas Air National Guard (TxANG) Band. During her periods of active duty service with the Guard, she performed in many concerts throughout the United States and beyond, including an international tour to the Czech Republic in 1999.

In 2000, Mrs. Livings graduated cum laude from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She acquired her initial exposure to the orchestral world as the principal flutist in the UTA Symphony. Under the direction and support of conductor, Dr. Chris Lanz, and master teacher, Dr. Anne Witt, Livings chose to pursue a teaching career in orchestra. In 2009, she completed her Master’s Degree in Music Education (also at UTA) where she studied theory intensively with professor, Dr. Graham Hunt, education with Dr. Diane Lange and conducting with Dr. Clifton Evans.

Mrs. Livings began her career as Head Director of the Pearce Orchestra in 2000. Since that time, membership in the orchestra program has more than quadrupled. Under her direction, Pearce has consistently earned many honors and accolades (UIL and otherwise) and competed successfully both in and out of Texas. Mrs. Livings is also the enthusiastic teacher of two sections of AP Music Theory at Pearce HS. She serves as a Reader and Leader for the College Board AP Music Theory Exam and regularly works as a Consultant for AP Music Theory workshops around the country.

Mrs. Livings is a current member of the Texas Music Educator’s Association (TMEA), Texas Orchestra Director’s Association (TODA), and the Texas Music Adjudicator’s Association (TMAA). She is an active adjudicator and clinician and serves as a volunteer on the region and state level in many capacities.

Mrs. Livings resides in Richardson, TX with husband, Forrest, and daughter, Echo. She enjoys reading, cycling, Pilates and spending time with family and friends (particularly her colleagues).

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