About Mindful
Voice & Body
Hi, I’m Melissa!
I’m a youth voice teaching specialist, solo artist, yoga teacher, and proud cat mom living in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis. Though I’m a transplant to the Twin Cities, I’ve built a thriving music studio over the past 19 years, teaching students across Chicagoland, the Minneapolis Metro, and online through my studio, Mindful Voice and Body.
I work with young adults and adults young at heart facing vocal challenges, seeking artistic clarity, or dealing with physical anxiety. My goal is to help them reconnect with their body, mind, and spirit so they can feel empowered to live fulfilling, happy lives.
In my voice lessons, I use evidence-based vocal pedagogy that combines voice research, my expertise, and my students' personal goals to develop sustainable and authentic vocal techniques. I’m passionate about teaching contemporary singing styles, including Musical Theater, Singer/Songwriter, Rock, and Pop, with a special love for choral music.
In my yoga classes, expect a vibrant mix of warm energy, anatomical awareness, and killer playlists. Our time together will be filled with smiles, laughter, and exploration!
Outside of the studio and my performance life, I love writing and recording original music, attending concerts, playing with my adorable cats, and enjoying life with my partner, Dan. I can’t wait to share this journey with you!
My music journey
My journey in music and education began at Millikin University, where I studied Commercial Music with a Vocal Performance emphasis. I had the incredible opportunity to sing with the university’s vocal jazz group, “One Voice,” and the prestigious "University Choir." My time in the recording studio, singing, producing, and writing original music, further fueled my passion.
After graduating, I was accepted to study and perform early music in Italy at Centro Studi Urbania. As a sought-after soprano, I've performed with various ensembles, including "The Marion Consort," "Wicker Park Choral Singers," "Chicago Chamber Choir," and the female vocal jazz quartet “Sundown.” I also founded "UNUM Vocal Company," a vocal chamber ensemble, and served as Executive Director until 2020. Recently, I performed and directed portions of a program for Chicago’s Common Pulse, a community of musicians dedicated to innovative performance art and social justice.
I’m committed to continuous learning in contemporary vocal pedagogy, having completed coursework at The CCM Institute at Shenandoah University, Level 1 of Somatic Voicework™, and other specialized training programs.
Movement Training
My journey into movement began with barre classes, leading me to become an instructor for The Bar Method in 2013. I also completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training through Yoga Farm Ithaca and continue to explore the benefits of The Alexander Technique, Yoga, and Pilates for the singing voice.
I continue to teach yoga through one-on-one sessions, workshops, and at various gyms. I’m also proud to lead clients as a Barre3 instructor, where I focus on helping them feel “Balanced in Body, Empowered from Within.” No matter the format, each session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients. My aim is to help them cultivate a deeper connection to their bodies and enhance their overall well-being.