Melissa Atienza began her private violin studies at the age of 10 with teachers Dr. Rose Puertollano and Reby Alejaga at the Univeristy of Sto. Tomas and St. Scholastica Conservatory of Music in the Philippines. Her first teaching experience was during her college days. She assisted the members of the De La Salle University Pops Orchestra in the Philippines with practicing of orchestra pieces under their maestro, Eliezer San Felipe.