Therapeutic Music
As a nurse and musician, Melinda began providing therapeutic music to patients in hospice, hospital, nursing homes, rehab, memory-care, and in the home in 1990 with voice and harp. Wishing to "do no harm" as a clinician providing music to fragile people, she trained as a therapeutic musician, and was certified by the Music for Healing & Transition Program in 1998. Melinda has worked as a therapeutic musician for Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene Counties, Catskill, NY, and at Columbia-Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY.
A certified therapeutic musician provides live, acoustic music at the bedside to create an environment that encourages healing, relaxation and rest. The music is prescriptive: specifically tailored to the individual patient's need in-the-moment.
Melinda is available by appointment to play for you or your loved ones in healthcare facilities and in the home.
Liturgical Music
Melinda began participating in church choir from about the age of 12. She began formal training as a liturgical musician and cantor in 1985. She has participated in additional cantor, catechist and liturgical training in the Albany, NY Roman Catholic diocese since 1986. She lead monthly ecumenical Taizé contemplative prayer services for many years, and has created prayer services for many different situations. She is currently a musician and cantor at Our Lady of Hope Church, Copake Falls, NY.
Melinda can design prayer opportunities and retreats to meet your needs, as well as provide music for prayer in diverse environments.
She is available as a singer and harper for life-events; including christenings, weddings, wakes, memorials, and funerals.