Melinda Sütő

I’m a classically trained singer, pianist and composer, and I’ve been teaching music for more than 20 years. I fell in love with music as a child, and it has been a central part of my life ever since — first as a student, and later as a performer, composer and teacher. I began studying music at the age of six and graduated from the Bartók Béla Conservatory in Miskolc, where I studied classical piano and later jazz singing. In 2020, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music from Eszterházy Károly University, graduating with excellent results. I am currently continuing my studies in pedagogy and Kodály-based music education at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), with graduation expected in 2027.

My teaching career began at Garabonciás School in Miskolc in 2004, where I taught singing, piano, solfège and musical theatre groups until 2008. Since 2006, I have also taught at Pop Suli in Miskolc, working with singing, piano, solfège and music theory, alongside my own private teaching practice. Over the years, I have prepared students who went on to study at the Bartók Béla Conservatory, the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest’s musical theatre program, the Kőbányai Music Studio, a major Hungarian center for contemporary and popular music education, and the University of Debrecen’s popular music program. My background combines classical music, jazz singing, improvisation, piano, composition and music education, so in my lessons I like to connect technical development with the music itself — phrasing, interpretation, rhythm, harmony, ear training and musical expression. I believe good technique should serve musical expression — not get in its way.

Alongside teaching, I work professionally as a pianist and composer, creating neoclassical and modern classical piano music. My recordings have been released through independent labels including Yellow Rose Records, Piano and Nature, Aemeralds, AURA Songs, ad21, BRG and Soothe Sounds, where I am part of the Elite Program. My compositions have appeared on compilation albums including Autumn Sketches Vol. 1, The Sound of Female Neoclassic, Piano Focus, Christmas Piano Classics, 40 Felt Piano Pieces, Still Hours and Opus XXVI. My music has also received editorial support across major streaming platforms: 21 of my tracks are currently featured on Pandora editorial playlists, with The Old Piano and Lost In The Moment each surpassing one million Pandora streams; three of my compositions have been featured on Spotify’s editorial Calm & Focused playlist; and Shadow Dancer was selected for Deezer’s editorial Calm Piano playlist. In 2022, Speechless Times was nominated for Best Solo Piano Single by One World Music Radio.

Everyone experiences music differently. We all have different strengths, challenges, tastes, and ways of learning, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching.

When I work with a student, I first try to understand what comes naturally to them, what they find challenging, and what they would like to achieve. From there, we build the lessons around their individual needs, musical interests, and strengths. My goal is not simply to tell students what to do, but to help them understand their own instrument, discover what works for them, and gradually become more independent and confident in their musical choices.

I particularly enjoy helping students turn apparent weaknesses into strengths. If a singer feels that their voice isn't powerful enough, for example, I might ask: “Can you sing even more softly?” We can explore what their voice does beautifully at that end of the dynamic range, and then gradually build towards greater range, power, and larger musical phrases. Sometimes working backwards is the most effective way forward.

I also place great importance on helping singers understand what is happening in their own bodies while they sing. Vocal production involves complex physical processes, but I try to translate that complexity into simple, practical instructions that students can actually feel and use.

Whether you want to develop a healthy, expressive voice, become a more confident pianist, or simply understand music more deeply, I enjoy helping students find their own way into the music. I teach classical-based vocal technique, jazz and contemporary singing, classical piano, music theory, solfège and ear training. And above all, I want learning music to be enjoyable — curiosity, enthusiasm, and the feeling of discovering something new are a big part of what makes progress possible.