Melissa Oakvik is a twenty-three year old singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born and raised in the Twin Cities. After receiving a piano in 2006 and taking a few lessons from Brandon Lyles- a worship leader at Living Word Christian Center- she began playing keys at LWCC’s worship services. Then in 2007-09, she interned for Go Ministries playing for various events and churches. These experiences gave her hope and courage to pursue music as a career, which began at McNally Smith College of Music in 2009. She started off as a piano major and quickly realized songwriting was her true passion, and switched to the Composition and Songwriting degree.
Melissa has performed and collaborated with the local singer/songwriter Kara Laudon, Maiden Dixie, Danami Champion at venues such as the Fine Line Café, Minnesota Music Café, Toby Keith’s, Rollies Bar & Grill, Jerseys Bar And Grill, Fatboys Bar and Grill. Melissa has also been aired on the Kare 11 show featuring a segment on “Pianos on Parade” in St. Paul, MN. She has also lead worship and wedding services at churches such as Living Word Christian Center’s Fifth Service, Generation Church, and Authentic Life, and The Wells at 7th Street, and other various churches in the North Dakota, Ukraine and Canada.
Not only is Melissa a performer and songwriter, but she also loves to teach private voice and piano lessons. She teaches at a non-profit organization called Urban Ventures; which is a place where inner city kids can come in to get free music lessons. Melissa is currently working on an original contemporary album and an original worship album with various students at MSCM.
Biography