Meet Canisha Russ
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Canisha Russ (she/her) is a Chicago-based vocalist with 12 years of study and performance rooted in R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Gospel, and Jazz.
A Chicago native with deep roots in community arts, she’s performed with UIC’s Funk Combo, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and University Choir; after college, she joined DLC Music Chicago (a K-Pop cover band) and sang background vocals for Billboard-charting dance artist Kristine W. at Pride Fest (2021). Her musical lens is shaped by Stevie Wonder’s songwriting and multi-instrumental mastery, classic Motown vocal groups, and the groove and harmony of ’90s/2000s R&B.
Canisha’s teaching rests on the belief that consistency builds confidence. Her motto: “Anyone can become proficient with enough practice” guides lessons that balance low-pressure encouragement with clear structure and measurable goals. Students can expect a welcoming space, realistic benchmarks, and a steady feedback loop: casual check-ins and goal-setting, focused vocal warmups, bite-size theory, targeted repertoire work, and on-the-spot corrections so healthy technique sticks. She blends songs students love with material that expands range, musicianship, and style always discouraging comparisons and emphasizing each singer’s unique voice.
Beyond the studio, Canisha works in arts education and school outreach, championing access to the arts for learners of all ages. At Melody Mart, she strives to make lessons engaging, practical, and fun so students leave knowing what to practice and how to practice, and families feel connected to the journey.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music Business | University of Illinois at Chicago
Master of Business Administration | Management Information Systems from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Certification
Mandated Reporter (2023)
Additional Performances