Mel has had the good fortune of being surrounded by talent her whole life. Her father being a guitarist, she was fortunate to come into contact with good musicianship at a very young age. From the university town of Appleton, Wis., Mel was afforded the luxury of a great music conservatory and the many related choirs and musical activities. She strived in various choirs, theatrical productions and a small handful of instruments as a child; anything to be more involved in the music she loved so well.

A local star at age 13, Mel began to take singing very seriously and studied classical voice under Carol Jegen. With an impressively mature soprano sound, Mel excelled despite a difficult repertoire, taking a particular interest in all things atonal. She took advantage of every opportunity to perform; big bands and symphonies alike while honing her duo skills by gigging with her guitarist father. Graduating from Appleton East High School and the Renaissance Charter School for the Arts with honors and a handful of scholarships and awards, Mel was ready for bigger and better things.

Since the summer of 2002, Mel has found a home in New York City. She is a recipient of scholarship from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where she is one of two undergraduate jazz vocalists. She has been involved in countless projects at MSM including jazz choir, original works, both classical and jazz and the new music ensemble TACTUS. This school year, she will be featured as the vocalist for MSMâs distinguished big band. She is a student of Peter Eldridge, Luciana Souza and Mark Murphy.

Outside of school, Mel stops at nothing to find good music to get involved with. She is featured on various pop, techno and commercial recordings and enjoys singing back-up vocals and sitting in with a variety of friendsâ projects. Mel also enjoys and takes pride in her role as a featured artist for the Chicago-based non-profit, Yes Is a World.