MEET MELINDA

For over 40 years, I've been creating music that spans every genre and stage of life—from children's songs to theater, Hawaiian music to meditation soundscapes, and themes that empower women and protect our environment. Today, my greatest joy comes from nurturing the next generation through my children's choir and helping provide multi-media arts programs and co-writing songs with students in public schools. I do this along with other Teaching Artists who offer a wide variety of Arts Programs through the non-profit I founded called When We Shine Foundation. The name of our student Music Artists is “Voices of the Earth.” These students write and sing on behalf of Nature, becoming Her voice to inspire environmental stewardship in their communities. Whether I'm performing on stage or teaching in the classroom, my mission remains the same: creating songs that teach and nurturing voices that inspire, helping music become a force for positive change in our world.

I am a Hawai’i resident and life-long Hawaiian Cultural and Hawaiian Music student. I believe we heal through community, that The ARTS serve as a catalyst for positive social and environmental changes. Music and song is an empowerment tool for healing, building unity, creativity and collaboration.