Melody Music Shop, LLC, was founded by Michelle Giansante and Wilbur
Price in October 2009. We had both worked for years at Smith-Holden Music, and upon hearing that SHM would be closing, we
received such an outpouring of support from the community that we decided to continue serving our customers by opening a new
shop just a few blocks away!
We want to stand out
for our friendly, personal, caring, and knowledgeable customer service! If you ever have any questions, please ask! We love
to help people of all ages and backgrounds find happiness and satisfaction in playing music. And if you don't
see what you are looking for, please ask us - we're happy to do special orders or do what we can to find what you need!
Here's a little more about each of us!
Michelle Giansante, President
Michelle grew up in Clairton,
PA, a small steel mill town south of Pittsburgh. She attended Carnegie Mellon University with a full scholarship, and The
Evergreen State College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Music and Business. As a professional violinist, she has performed
as Concertmaster of the Southwest Washington Chamber Orchestra and Olympia Chamber Orchestra; Assistant Concertmaster of the
Vancouver (WA) Symphony; full-time violinist in the Thunder Bay Symphony; substitute with the Oregon Symphony; and in many
regional orchestras throughout the country, often in leadership positions. She has founded and led string quartets, chamber
groups and played for hundreds of weddings and events. She has also worked as Education & Sheet Music Coordinator at Smith-Holden
Music; SUN Arts Coordinator at the Regional Arts & Culture Council; Program Coordinator for the Oregon Folklife Program;
Accounts Receivable/Cashier for Al Nalli Music; and interned in Publicity and Marketing with WQED-FM in Pittsburgh. Michelle performs regularly
as a concert violinist and is also a guitarist, ukulele player, violist, singer and songwriter, and can play electric bass
in emergencies.
Wilbur Price, Vice President
Wilbur attended Paoli Jr./Sr.
High School in Paoli Indiana. There, he was a member of the Pride of Paoli State Champion marching band where he marched snare
drum from junior high through his senior year of high school. Wilbur also participated in the concert and pep bands where
he received the player of the year award in his sophomore, junior and senior year. A rock and roller at heart, Wilbur has
played in numerous bands and many genres of music throughout the years, gaining vast live and recording experience. His quest
for drumsticks in 1996 brought him to Smith-Holden Music where he applied for a part-time cashier position which had just
become available. His passion for helping others and practical knowledge base of multiple musical instruments and electronic
equipment quickly became apparent to many musicians and families in the Bloomington community. Wilbur’s philosophy was
simple; try to help people find what they need; don’t be a “salesman”. This energy abounds in Melody Music
Shop. Some of Wilbur’s favorite hobbies include playing drums, piano, guitar, recording music, motorcycle riding and
spending time with his family and loved ones. Wilbur performs regularly in
the band 50 Caliber, and is experienced in
sound engineering and installation. He is also a Registered Nurse and works at Southern Indiana Pediatrics.
