http://www.livingyouryoga.ca Every once in a while somebody asks me where does the Dr. in Dr. Melissa West come from and so I thought I would make this video covering a little of the history of the academic training I've had. I began my academic studies at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario at the school of music where I spent many hours performing both solo and in orchestra on the flute, however I received an honour degree in music theory. My first degree is a Bachelors of Music degree. From there I moved on to McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario and studied Music Criticism. My thesis was on Music, Emotions and the Role of the Body and I received a Masters of Arts there. I started my Ph.D. in Music at York University but after two years I transfered into Communications and Cultural Studies. This is where the doctor part comes in. I received a doctor of philosophy in Communications and Cultural studies from York University. My dissertation was titled Marketing Madonna: Celebrity Agency Across the Culture Industry, The Processes of Commodification and Audiences' Meanings and Practices. As far as my yoga lineage, I spent a lot of time practicing yoga at Esther Myers Yoga Studio in Toronto almost immediately following her death. My main teacher there was Tama Soble. My certification comes from Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and I am a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, Group Facilitatory and Yoga Teacher through their organization. My main teacher at Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy was Elisa Cobb. In this video I explain how each of these places have influenced my teachings today. Namaste, Melissa