Melissa Ferrick | Singer-Songwriter

Having lunch with talented musician and songwriter, Melissa Ferrick , was a mid-February treat for me. A mutual friend connected us, and we met at Northeastern University where we both have faculty appointments at the College of Arts, Media and Design. The week before, I had attended a lecture by Melissa in the music department. She spoke about her teaching philosophy and shared ways she mentors and teaches the creative process to her students. During the presentation, I kept thinking, “Wow. These students are so lucky to get to study with her.” Whether listening to her perform, observing her as a teacher or chatting with her over Tatte salads, the same four words come to mind again and again - authentic, kind, insightful and passionate. It is clear that Melissa brings her whole self to whatever she does. She has mastered the art of “just being your best self” and I imagine that this is what makes her such a powerful musician: she is real, and her music reflects this honesty.

We talked about the challenges of balancing art making with teaching. Melissa is passionate about both and as hard as it is to strike a balance (along with raising a family) she also sees how one practice feeds the other. As if this wasn’t a full enough plate, Melissa recently completed an Ed.M. from Harvard University.

Some of the artists Melissa has toured with include: Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Mark Cohen, Paul Westerberg, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Ani DiFranco, k.d.Lang, G-Love & Special Sauce and Suzanne Vega.

Melissa, thanks for modeling what it means to be a true rock star!