Next up in our Arts + Culture Partners Spotlight series, we’re featuring Melissa Foss! Mud to Music, led by instrument-maker, musician, and teaching artist Melissa Hyatt Foss, brings ancient sound worlds to life through hand-crafted ceramic instruments inspired by Pre-Columbian traditions. Based in Baltimore, Melissa offers bilingual, arts-integrated, hands-on programming where STEAM and SEL are woven seamlessly into explorations of history, culture, visual art, and music.
Why should teachers and students be excited about your program?
With extensive experience in Pre-K–12 classrooms as well as museums, universities, and libraries, Melissa’s Mud to Music programming centers open-ended creativity, community-building, and joyful discovery. Through performances and music and instrument-making residencies, her ever-growing collection of sculptural sound-objects, such as Whistling Bottles, Polyphonic Flutes, Trumpets, and Noise Generators, immerses learners in dynamic experiences where clay, sound, and music spark curiosity, dialogue, and meaningful connections to nature and the rich musical heritage of the Americas.
Is there a particular program you’d like us to highlight? What makes it special?
Mud to Music Residency: Instrument-Making with Clay
Students are introduced to musical instruments that have been made across Central and South America for thousands of years and learn through a step-by-step process with simple pottery techniques to construct their own one-of-a-kind rattles or flutes with clay.
Together we navigate between the functional and visual aspects of Pre-Columbian instrument-making through a STEAM approach, exploring the interconnectedness of scientific and artistic disciplines while students investigate how sound and physics, design and personal story can shape the instruments they create. Throughout the process experimentation, individual expression, creative decision making, and problem solving are emphasized.
Learn more about Melissa’ Foss’ programs on their website, and check them out on their Instagram page!
