Mel Nieva grew up honing her musical skills in Chilliwack.
She studied voice at the Chilliwack Academy of Music before going on to do diploma work at Capilano University in both classical and jazz fields.
Now she’s back to offer coaching and master classes to young musicians.
She ran a highly successful Glee-inspired summer camp at the former Chilliwack Arts Centre and helped debut the Sto:lo Vocal Ensemble in December.
This performance masterclass is aimed squarely at building young musicians’ confidence.
Nieva knows that nerves can make or break a performer.
Her solution?
“I teach everyone to own their own performance.”
A master class on this very topic will be at the Academy of Music on Saturday, March 17.
“I was always a really self-conscious kid,” she says.
“I would freak out over the littlest flaws and so I didn’t perform for a long, long time.”
As a result, she has developed a teaching style that is both laid back and encouraging.
Master class participants, for instance, get a chance to work the mike stand and learn how to avoid feeling flustered. They’ll also explore concepts like stage presence, introductions, and collaborating artistically with an accompanist or backup band.
Own Your Performance masterclass is open to all young musicians aged 8-18 and is equally geared to vocalists and instrumentalists, classical and popular musicians, Saturday, March 17, 1-3 p.m. in the Wagner Appliances Studio at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
A live piano accompanist as well as iPod connectivity for backing tracks will be available for those who require them. The cost is $25, and participants must contact the Academy of Music to confirm their attendance by Thursday, March 15 at 4:30 pm. 604-792-0790.
