Melania teaches students from around the world at her private voice studio, MelaniaMusic, located in the heart of Manhattan. She specializes in working with children and individuals with special needs, helping them build language and communication skills through singing. In addition to her studio work, she serves as a Latin American Music consultant at Western Kentucky University and directs Music, Dance, and Performance programs for ArteLatam in New York City public schools (Department of Education).

A tireless advocate for cultural preservation and community engagement, Melania collaborates extensively with the Hispanic-American community through concerts, recitals, workshops, and educational media, inspiring the next generation of vocalists and cultural ambassadors.

MELANIA MALDONADO / Mezzo-Soprano

Originally from Ecuador, is an accomplished lyrical and popular singer with a distinguished international career. Known for her rich voice and deep passion for music, Melania is dedicated to promoting the cultural identity of Ecuador and Latin America through performance and education. She has performed on major stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church as a member of the MasterVoices Choir.

With over 29 years of experience as a vocal coach, Melania is the creator of the MUSIC FOR LIFE educational program; a unique, therapeutic, and culturally grounded curriculum that develops psychomotor, cognitive, and artistic skills in children, youth, and adults. Her program fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and empowers students through the healing and expressive power of music.

Dream it Build it Achieve it

Experience

Founder & Vocal Director
The Voice Institute, Ecuador / MelaniaMusic, USA
1995 – Present

Founded The Voice Institute in Ecuador; relocated to the U.S. in 2001, continuing private voice instruction and curriculum development.
Created and implemented a comprehensive voice methodology combining theory and practice, used by students of all levels and backgrounds.
Established the “Music for Life” program for Latin youth in the Bronx, incorporating music education with cultural identity and therapeutic practice.
Performed extensively in South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the U.S., presenting Ecuadorian culture through song, lectures, and workshops.

Cultural & Music Program Director
Various organisations & festivals
2006 – Present

Led musical and cultural programming for LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), including international concerts and festivals.
Created and directed performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Teatro SEA.
Conducted vocal workshops internationally, including Ecuador and the U.S., on vocal health, Latin American music, and performance technique.

Professional Vocal Coach
2001 – Present | New York City

Offers individualized training in vocal technique, performance, and musicality to students worldwide.
Collaborated with top-level vocal masters including Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Graham Johnson, and others.
Directed children and youth choirs to develop vocal and artistic expression among Latin American communities in NYC.

Awards & Recognition

Selected Performances & Projects

2016 - 2023

Multiple recognitions by SSA, IRS, EPA, HUD, DHS, LULAC, and FDA (2016–2023)

2015

Voice Teacher of the Year, Teatro SEA Cultural Concert

2014

Distinguished Woman of the Year, NY State Assembly, Huntington

2011

Exemplary Citizen Award by President of Ecuador & National Assembly

Co-Organising concert, “United Latin America through Art and Culture” as Director of Culture with League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

2009

“Lyrical Female Voice of the Year”, IV Delivery Hispano-American Art Prize

2006

Commendation from Mayor Michael Bloomberg

2025

Opera Jazz: “Blind Injustice”, Lincoln Center

J.S. Bach – Mass in B minor, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

2024

Strike Up the Band – Carnegie Hall, Gershwin musical

UNIFIX NYC Festival – “The Wild Butterflies”

2022

“Integrated Arts” Concert, Baha’i Cultural Center

2020

“Carmen Miranda’s Tribute”, Manhattan

2019 - 2023

Recitals with MelaniaMusic students

2018

“Tribute to Ecuadorian Music”, Tony Bennett Theater

Leadership &

Community Engagement

Education

Music Skills

Click here to download

resume / biography in English & Spanish

Consultant, Western Kentucky University – Latin American
Program Director, ArteLatam Music & Arts in NYC Public Schools
Founder & Editor, EcuaTimes Newspaper (2003–2009)
Deputy State Director for the Elderly, LULAC New York
President, LULAC Council 23047, Manhattan – Integrated Arts

Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) – Havana, Cuba
Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance
Graduated with honors; studied under renowned Cuban and Latin American vocalists