Dr. Tara Melvin

Program Director

Dr. Tara A. Melvin is a soprano, educator, and arts administrator who is passionate about fostering meaningful connections across communities. She specializes in strengthening partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions; developing educational and artistic programming; and advancing public understanding of Western opera’s local and global history, particularly the contributions of Black artists and composers to the art-form.

An accomplished soprano with extensive experience in operatic and art song repertoire, Dr. Melvin is also a dedicated educator and researcher who has maintained a private voice studio for nearly two decades. She has presented masterclasses at universities throughout the southern United States, including week-long artist-in-residence programs focused on composers of African descent. Beyond the stage and studio, she serves as a racial justice facilitator, collaborating with theater companies and nonprofit organizations nationwide to support sustainable and equitable institutional change.

Dr. Melvin holds a degree in Vocal Performance from the University of New Orleans, a degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Southeastern Louisiana University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Texas Tech University.