Melody Mendis
St. Louis Park,MN
Summary
A motivated, inspired and successful vocal instructor and performer who boosts both brilliance and courage in the studio and onto the stage from the past 22 years to present day. The vast experience in vocal pedagogy has provided the landscape to coach students from winning at contest to artists performing world tours with respective bands in a vocally safe manner. Passionate about helping vocalists with their confidence to sing with pride and joy.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Artist/MMFL
MacPhail Center For Music
11.2022 - Current
- Foster positive learning environments.
- Establish good rapport with students and families, encourage open discussion.
- Perform expert vocal instruction and demonstrate vocal examples in lessons.
- Manage studio, including recruitment, lesson planning, scheduling, registration paperwork, Outlook calendar maintenance, phone calls, and communication.
- Engage in overall work and mission of MacPhail Center for Music.
- Compliance with existing COVID-19 policies.
- Attend department meetings and collaborate with other fine arts teachers.
- Gather display materials and distribute programs for shows and performances.
- Develop music-based lessons for people with dementia.
- Teach people how to use music to improve their well-being in memory care units to feel less anxious or depressed, and generally experience clearer thinking and more positive emotions.
Assistant Choir Director and Cantor
Immaculate Heart Of Mary School And Church
03.2016 - Current
- Provide oversight and administration for religious based music programs.
- Coach and warm-up choirs on healthy vocal technique while exploring color, texture and timbre appropriate to vocal selections.
- Work closely with music director to build music programs and encourage more community involvement.
- Educate students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
- Assist in rehearsals to keep choir members prepared for performances.
- Maintain calendars of events and assist in event planning.
- Consult with directors and producers to determine placement of musical cues and coordinate artistic vision.
- Use gestures to shape music being played, communicating desired tempo, volume and other performance aspects.
- Leading altos and offer vocal tips toward unification of sound.
- Cantor funerals, weddings and special masses.
Voice Teacher
Take Lessons
04.2013 - Current
- Teach lessons in popular, jazz, gospel, rock and bel canto methods with singing and breathing techniques that provide breath support, intonation, strength, and flexibility.
- Incorporate Alexander technique in lessons.
- Assist performers in preparing for auditions, recording sessions, choral performances and special performances.
- Lead groups of youth in discovery exercises and offered personalized support to individuals in need of extra assistance.
- Offer Zoom lessons and maintain quality client experiences in remote settings.
Professional Vocalist
Melody Mendis Music LLC
01.1992 - Current
- Produce large scale Lady Gaga tribute shows featuring live bands, 10-12 dancers, special effects and lighting for touring.
- Produce intimate Cabaret style Barbra Streisand Tribute shows for cross-generational audiences to perform in theaters, long term care facilities and casinos.
- Perform in large ensembles, small ensembles, solo and freelance jobs, improvisation, jazz, contemporary, classical, R&B and gospel at reputable jazz clubs and venues.
- Perform in casinos and theaters around the country, private client shows and made sure to exceed client expectations.
- Produce and record my solo album, "Wanderlust"
- Work with clients on variety of budgets and entertainment needs.
- Mastery over Word Press in building of my website whilst maintaining strong social media presence.
- Develop relationships with major media networks to promote shows and build audience attendance.
Vocal Instructor
Virtuosos Music Academy
08.2013 - 05.2018
- Provide students of all ages with solid foundations in musical fundamentals, including rhythm, ear training, sight-singing, music theory and technique.
- Incorporate 30 minute computer sessions to teach music theory, rhythm, harmony and appropriate musical components prior to individual private lessons.
- Instruct in all popular and rock styles through classical vocal training.
- Attend department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
- Assist students in their stage presence and vocal delivery based on their musical style.
- Maintain student progress by evaluating and adjusting strategies.
- Meet with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
- Develop and maintain courteous and effective working relationships.
Vocal Instructor
School of Rock, St. Paul, Eden Prairie
09.2009 - 06.2015
- Provide students with solid foundation in singing techniques, and specialized in breathing, diction and pronunciation, while making music fun and interesting.
- Utilize my strong professional background in acting, directing, vocal coaching, and choreography to keep students motivated and energetic.
- Teach children ages 4-18 through rehearsals, leveraging my passion for encouragine life skills to young people through performing arts.
- Perform duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Demonstrate respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Music Education Developer and Instructor
Little Wing Early, School of Rock
03.2010 - 07.2012
- Help children explore interests, develop student talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to behave with others in child-centered and child-directed environments.
- Assist in corporate development curriculum for developmental appropriateness to stimulate children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth through age-appropriate rock music and activities.
- Nurture, motivated and teach children.
- Promote music programs through social media, referrals and network with businesses in communities.
- Manage small and large groups of students for classroom and off-site instruction.
- Perform positive reinforcement and provide clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Develop vocational training program curricula and objectives.
Education
Masters Degree in Vocal Pedagogy -
Oakland University
Rochester, MI12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal Music
Michigan State University
Lansing, MI01.1997
Skills
- Artistic Technique Demonstration
- Microsoft Access
- Rehearsal Direction
- Scheduling Coordination
- Time Management
- Vocal Techniques
- Performance Coaching
- Course Material Preparation
Conferences & Conventions
Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tributes in Orlando, FLA August 2018 & 2019
- Showcase my produced Lady Gaga and Barbra Streisand tribute shows for agents and buyers.
- Developed stronger marketing materials to sell in a larger buyer arena.
- Collaborated with other tribute artists to perfect my product.
Yale Cabaret Conference New Haven, Connecticut 1997
- Internationally focused program that offers an intensive look at the art of cabaret performance technique, and trains professionals for the live entertainment industry.
- The Great American Songbook was addressed and promoted in its entirety, from its origins in the late 19th century through the classic pop standards of the 1930s and 40s to today’s international contemporary cabaret, musical theater, jazz, pop and classical music.
- Workshopped with several industry professionals including, Laurel Massé from Manhattan Transfer, Tovah Feldshuh, Carol Hall, George Hall, Julie Halston, Lina Koutrakos, Marilynn Lovell Matz, Sally Mayes, Erv Raible, Fred Voelpel, Thommie Walsh and the late Julie Wilson.
- Performed a ticketed show for reviews, agents and buyers.
Timeline
Teaching Artist/MMFL
MacPhail Center For Music
11.2022 - Current
Assistant Choir Director and Cantor
Immaculate Heart Of Mary School And Church
03.2016 - Current
Vocal Instructor
Virtuosos Music Academy
08.2013 - 05.2018
Voice Teacher
Take Lessons
04.2013 - Current
Music Education Developer and Instructor
Little Wing Early, School of Rock
03.2010 - 07.2012
Vocal Instructor
School of Rock, St. Paul, Eden Prairie
09.2009 - 06.2015
Professional Vocalist
Melody Mendis Music LLC
01.1992 - Current
Masters Degree in Vocal Pedagogy -
Oakland University
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal Music
Michigan State University
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