Music Academy
Melissa K. Ruge is an accomplished stage management professional with extensive experience in live theatrical productions. Currently serving as Teaching Faculty at the California Institute of the Arts since September 2023, Melissa mentors MFA Stage Management students and oversees production. As Production Manager at the Music Academy, responsibilities include overseeing creative and production phases, managing schedules and budgets. Prior roles include Senior Production Coordinator at Vision Matrix Productions, Inc., where project planning and coordination with various stakeholders were key, as well as Manager of Chorus, Dancers & Supers at LA Opera, handling complex scheduling and compliance with union regulations. Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State University, Los Angeles, and holds certifications in yoga instruction and professional coaching.
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Music Academy
Music Academy is a performance-based training center and incubator that empowers musicians to positively impact society. The Music Academy welcomes everyone from across all generations, cultures, and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of music. Based in Santa Barbara, California, the Academy presents the preeminent full-scholarship Summer School and Festival for classically trained fellows ages 18 to 34. They study and perform with more than 50 exceptional faculty and teaching artists, while forging close connections with the community. The Music Academy’s commitment to long-term collaborations and exchanges with leading orchestras and opera companies results in unparalleled mentorship and career-advancing prospects. The Innovation Institute spearheads entrepreneurial training and ventures through seminars, residencies, and the Alumni Enterprise Awards, substantial grants given annually for a wide range of creative projects. Launched in 2018, Sing!, a free, after-school choral program for local elementary students inspires personal growth and expression. For more information, visit musicacademy.org.