A masterwork of vivid vignettes

Melody Puller was just 7 years old when she began her love affair with music.

At the time, her father was pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. The church organist wanted to give a gift to Melody’s parents, so she offered to teach Melody to play the piano.

“My family moved to Idaho when I was 11 years old,” said Melody. “I continued to study with the church pianist at Sagle Baptist Church and then with Arlene Yeakel in Sandpoint.”

By the time Melody was 12, she had a strong desire to make music a focus in her life.

She continued on her musical journey at age 25, when she and her husband moved to Vermont. There, she met the person whom she calls her greatest mentor, Elaine Greenfield.

“Shortly after moving to Vermont, I began studying with Elaine, continuing lessons with her for 10 years,” shares Melody. “Under her guidance, I performed the Debussy Preludes, Book 1, in 2006 and the Chopin Preludes in 2012, among other repertoire.”

Melody credits Elaine with teaching her how to listen and adhere to details in the music score. “She also modeled patience and kindness,” said Melody.

The majority of Melody’s performances have been in Vermont and throughout the Inland Northwest. She also had the opportunity to perform at a festival in South Korea.

Melody shares that her favorite music is from early 20th century France. "It's my way of time traveling," she said.

Melody has been sharing her gift and passion with the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint for the last seven years. She enjoys not only the opportunity to share her talent, but also the camaraderie with colleagues and students.

She currently has 21 students, who range in age from 6 to 18, although in the past she has also taught students in the 70- to 90-year-old range — proof that you are never too old to learn.

On Saturday, June 10, at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m., the community will be treated to a performance by Melody at the Little Carnegie Theater at the conservatory, 110 Main St., downtown Sandpoint. She will perform Debussy’s Preludes — Book 1 on Saturday and Book 2 on Sunday.

“They are a kaleidoscope of impressions and expressions,” said Melody. “The pieces contain worlds of poetry, painting, humor, horror and natural phenomena. Debussy was certainly seeking to create a kind of synesthesia, a blending of the senses.”

Tickets are $30 for each performance for adults, $15 for students. If you would like to attend both performances, there is a reduced ticket price of $50 for adults.

Tickets: sandpointconservatory.ticketspice.com/pullercc.