Biography
From her early childhood, Melissa demonstrated a gift for music, including a keen musical ear (being able to reproduce melodies she heard at an early age). She began playing the piano at age five and composing her own simple songs not long after. Melissa won first prize in several music festivals she entered as a child in British Columbia. She continued her musical studies with the Royal Conservatory of Music, later completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory, History and Composition under full scholarship from the University of Lethbridge -- graduating with Great Distinction in 2002.
During the final year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, Melissa was actively preparing a portfolio for graduate studies in academic music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. However, she abandoned this pursuit after what can only be described as a supernatural moment of hearing from God. She heard Him clearly direct that she was not to pursue her doctorate, but that she was to wait on Him for the tasks he would have ahead for her. She felt that she was to use her music to glorify Him, and to bring healing to others. Melissa has spent the last eighteen years exploring the meaning of this message, developing her gifts and trying to be as obedient as possible to the call God has placed upon her life.
Melissa's main musical interests include spontaneous improvisation, world music, singing the Scriptures, and music therapy. Her music has most often been described as calming, soothing, peaceful, and inspiring. Listeners might hear in her compositions the influences of artists such as Enya, Yanni, Jim Brickman, Josh Groban, Michael Card, Loreena McKennitt, Lianna Klassen, David Lanz, Vangelis, The Fisherfolk, Barry and Batya Segal, Marty Goetz, John Williams, and James Horner.
In her free time, outside of composing, Melissa enjoys writing poetry and allegorical prose, drawing and painting, filmmaking, spending time with loved ones, and walking outside amidst God's incredible creation.
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Career Highlights:
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Television Appearances:
Global TV (Canada)
Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis
Daystar's Reflections
The Miracle Channel
House of David Ministries
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Radio:
Whisperings Solo Piano Radio artist
Chavah Messianic Radio
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Awards:
2016 GMA Canada Covenant Award Nominee:
Best Instrumental Song (Anna's Song)
Best Instrumental Album (Beginnings)
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