Professor Melissa Life is currently an Instructor of Choral Music Education here at the University of Alabama. She teaches courses such as: Intro to Listening, Choral Methods, Vocal Methods, Basic Skills in Music, Music for Elementary Majors, and supervises student interns in the public schools. Professor Life has two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Alderson-Broaddus University in Music Education and Vocal Performance. She has a Master of Music Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University. Currently, Professor Life is a PhD Candidate in Music Education at the University of Florida.

Professor Life has taught in public schools in both West Virginia and Florida. During her public teacher, Ms. Life’s choirs have performed and competed throughout the United States and Canada, receiving numerous awards and recognition. During her twelve years of teaching at Parkersburg South High School, her Chamber Ensemble was selected as the West Virginia State High School Honor Choir in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. In April 2011, her Chamber Ensemble and Madrigal Singers were invited to perform with composer Eric Whitacre at the famous Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Outside of the schools, Professor Life has held leadership roles at both state and regional levels by serving as high school honor coordinators for West Virginia ACDA Chapters and for Southern Division ACDA. She also presents her research and expertise at various music conferences throughout the country. Her research interests include: mentoring pre-service music educators, incorporating technology in the music classroom, assessment, imposter syndrome, and helping music educators in the Appalachian region.