Melinda's focus in teaching is to bring out the most authentic, passion filled experience for the performer, regardless of age or level of experience. Music is a creative, intrinsically human and fun endeavor.

Melinda has an M.M. degree  from Holy Names University in Music Education with emphasis in Kodály; a B.A. in Music (with distinction) from Sonoma State University; an A. A. degree from Santa Rosa Junior College in Music. She has also attended numerous workshops in Hungary, Italy, Indiana University and CircleSongs Workshop with Bobby McFerrin. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Music Teacher’s Association of California, The San Francisco Early Music Society and the Organization of American Kodàly Educators.

Melinda is past director of numerous choral groups and musical theater and opera productions. She is  also a church soloist and keyboardist for congregations in the area. Additionally, Melinda is a composer, music theory book writer, and choral arranger.