Melissa Stock

Job Title:
Adjunct Professor of Music

Length of Time at NCU:
6 years

Hometown:
Southern California (last lived in Laguna Beach, CA)

Favorite Scripture/Quote:
"God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble"

Favorite Music:
I LOVE Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kirk Franklin, ANYTHING Beethoven, Metallica, Beastie Boys, soundtracks from Pride and Prejudice, Last of the Mohicans, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Travis Tritt, the list goes on!!!

Favorite Movie: 
There are so many. I love movies! I love watching them at home with a whole BATCH of cupcakes or peanut butter cookies! That's the way to see a movie!

How Did You Arrive at NCU:
I was employed at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, as their Director of Evening Service Music. One of my guest artist groups that came in were "The Stock Brothers" and I fell in love with Matthew (my FAVORITE of the 3!!!) and moved to Eugene after getting married 2 years later. I was 'jobless' for 6 months, flying back and forth from LA several times a month to play shows… a friend in Eugene called and saw the ad in the Register Guard advertising this position for a choir director and I interviewed! I didn't even know where NCU was at the time and had NO idea what I was getting myself into- and I am THRILLED!!! It was definitely a God moment that got me here!!!

What's the most surprising thing about NCU:
I don't know how to answer this one.

Favorite Class to Teach:
I love them ALL… seriously, I have a blast teaching every one! They are all amazing for different reasons! I love the Tuesday night group because you can tell that 99.9% of the people there CRAVE that experience and appreciate it. It makes such a difference when you can tell that someone really wants to be in your class and is not forced to take it! :)

Research/Special projects:
My special projects are mainly outside of school- I volunteer hundreds of hours for the Lane County Sheriff's Office to produce a yearly concert in combination with one of our choirs and members of the community. This is a fundraising concert for the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life and the choral group has grown from 28 singers to 120.  Other projects include composing and arranging music for choral groups based in Southern California.

Favorite Thing About Students and Faculty:
Small ratio- I like really knowing where my students are in their classes. I love having time to spend with them and getting to know them- and some of their families!

Advice for Incoming Students:
Don't over-commit. Find a mentor and someone that you can develop a friendship with, brainstorm with, pick their brain, be encouraged by and learn from!

Greatest Life Accomplishment so Far:
My marriage. I prayed for one that was God centered and that I would meet someone who was just my absolute best friend… it's amazing having someone in your life that can literally read your mind. Matthew pushes me and encourages me and loves me for me. I never thought it would be this good and it's really indescribable!

I Like My Job Because… 
I love ministry and I love music. This job is a combination of them both. We minister weekly to over 100 people in the Community Choir that come from over 40 church congregations locally. It is a blessing to minister to the broken hearted through music.