Singer/Songwriter (piano); founder, Colorado Artist Network; freelance editor/writer; music & arts consultant
Greater Denver Area
- Current
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- Founder at Colorado Artist Network
- Alumni Rep & Chapter Co-Coordinator (freelance) at Berklee College of Music
- Singer/songwriter (piano) and interdisciplinary artist at Melissa Axel Music
- Music Business/Arts Administration and Editorial Consulting at Integrity Music Solutions
- Past
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- Editor at Colorado Music Buzz Magazine
- Interdisciplinary Arts Program Graduate Assistant (full scholarship) at Nova Southeastern University
- DJ/Radio Show Host (part-time during graduate studies) at Radio X 88.5 FM ("WNSU"/WKPX)
- Production Assistant (graduate internship) at Nefertiti Productions LLC
- Music Business Consultant at Clear Perceptions Studios
- Director, Promotions & Distribution at Monomoy Records
- Co-Director at Heavy Rotation Records (Berklee College of Music Internship Program)
- Co-Editor-in-Chief at The Groove (Berklee College of Music)
- Program Coordinator (part-time during post-bac studies) at Project STEP, Inc.
- Career Development Center Assistant (part-time during post-bac studies) at Berklee College of Music
- International Marketing Specialist at Renaissance Cruises, Inc.
- Marketing Assistant (paid internship) at Infinite Energy, Inc.
- Career Resource Center Ambassador (part-time during undergraduate studies) at University of Florida
- Manager (paid internship) at Burdines, Inc.
- Walt Disney World College Program (paid internship) at The Walt Disney Company
- Education
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- Nova Southeastern University
- Berklee College of Music
- University of Florida - Warrington College Of Business
- Broward Community College
- Harvard University
- Western High School
- Recommended
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41 people have recommended Melissa - Connections
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497
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- Industry
- Music
- Websites
Melissa Axel’s Summary
Proverbial "girl and a piano" following in the heady footsteps of fellow redhead Tori Amos's early work, fusing electronica, jazz, and other contemporary influences with strengths as a singer/songwriter to transform life experiences and emotions into songs that express the fear and joy and pain and love that connect us all ...
At University of Florida, earned a BSBA in Management and began co-producing events such as the Sister Hazel Angels of Mercy Benefit Concert, uniting performers and local businesses in support of the namesake charity of folk-rock band Sister Hazel ...
At Berklee College of Music, completed post-bac diploma with studies in songwriting, performance, music business, and production/technology and served as Co-Director of Heavy Rotation Records for the release of the first album produced by a student-run label to be distributed by a major record company (Epic/SONY) ...
At NSU, earned master's in Interdisciplinary Arts on assistantship, hosted the eclectic music show The Authentic Life on Radio X 88.5 FM, and created the stage production The Human Adventure, which incorporated original music alongside popular electronic, rock, and film score pieces for a multimedia-, drama-, and dance-infused presentation of the "hero's journey" toward fulfillment and authenticity ...
Relocated to Denver in 2006, continuing to assist fellow artists and organizations as an independent editor, writer, and music business/arts consultant ...
Awarded a scholarship to WOMAD Summer School to hone songwriting skills with Belfast troubadour Andy White and study African polyphonies with Afro-Celt Sound System's kora maestro N'Faly Kouyaté ...
Currently recording first full length album and hosting songwriting workshops and showcase performances, as well as collaborating with other professional artists to present various awareness-raising concerts and events through the Colorado Artist Network, in Denver/Boulder metro area ...
Melissa Axel’s Specialties:
songwriting, composition, lyric writing, emcee/voiceover/on-air talent, music direction (radio/events/compilations), event planning, public speaking, community partnerships/socio-cultural development, music production/artist development, individual/organizational consulting, editing, proofreading, writing (arts/culture/travel/lifestyle/personal development), layout/design, photography, art direction, management, organizational development, conflict resolution, technology setup/training (Mac/PC)
Melissa Axel’s Experience
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Founder
Colorado Artist Network
(Performing Arts industry)
March 2008 — Present (7 months)
Colorado Artist Network (CAN) is a collective of professional artists focused on creating, performing, and presenting music with a purpose. Whether applying their skills and talents toward educational, social, or philanthropic goals, this diverse group of respected local artists always seeks to foster an atmosphere of meaning, empowerment, joy, and authenticity through the arts.
Beginning summer 2008, CAN artists will team up to raise awareness and support for a variety of causes such as arts education, preserving our environment, and ensuring equal rights and healthcare for all. Many of the shows will be music-driven, complemented by interdisciplinary events involving other art forms (film, theatre, visual arts, dance, creative writing), as well as a variety of resources and workshops for artists of all kinds.
For more information on CAN and upcoming events, please visit: www.coloradoartistnetwork.org -
Alumni Rep & Chapter Co-Coordinator (freelance)
Berklee College of Music
(Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Music industry)
January 2003 — Present (5 years 9 months)
• Work with college admissions office and recruiting team to spread awareness of the school's programs and reputation to students and parents in communities where music education is prevalent
• Represent Berklee at college and performing arts fairs, educate interest parties about the school's offerings
• Assist in coordinating alumni, recruiting, and community events sponsored by Berklee at local music venues
• Participate in ongoing research and development at Berklee during alumni leader conferences and workshops -
Singer/songwriter (piano) and interdisciplinary artist
Melissa Axel Music
(Music industry)
October 2000 — Present (8 years)
• Independent singer/songwriter and composing performer of vocal and instrumental music
• Vocalist (background, choral, and voiceover): Black Sea Salsa band, Nova Singers, recording sessions for independent and commercial releases, promo spots/PSAs for public and community radio
• Sold out limited edition debut EP Free Time (digital downloads still available on iTunes)
• Tracks featured on compilation releases and a variety of internet and terrestrial radio stations
• Present, curate, and coordinate concerts and interdisciplinary arts performances at various music/arts venues, including Swallow Hill Music Association, Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge, Avogadro's Number, Boulder International Fringe, Festival, ArtServe, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, The Cutting Room, Encore Lounge, Zeitgeist Gallery, and Virgin Megastore -
Music Business/Arts Administration and Editorial Consulting
Integrity Music Solutions
(Music industry)
September 2000 — Present (8 years 1 month)
• Writing, editing, design, event planning, coordination, online marketing, career/strategic advising, and business management for creators, publications, recording studios, and arts organizations
• Host of songwriting workshops for Denver/Boulder metro recording studios and music organizations
• Talent Judge: John Lennon Songwriting Contest; USA Songwriting Competition; Berklee Career Expo
• Panelist/guest speaker: Denver Office of Cultural Affairs' annual Building Creative Businesses Expo, Music Independence Summit Connection seminars, Berklee College of Music
• Nominated for the 2007 Denver Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -
Editor
Colorado Music Buzz Magazine
(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Writing and Editing industry)
July 2006 — December 2007 (1 year 6 months)
• Managed, selected, and edited the features, stories, reviews, columns, and photography of 40+ freelance and volunteer journalists, launched eight new sections plus festival/conference coverage and music news
• Editorial and feature writing; music and live reviews; interviews and industry stories; photography
• Wrote monthly column on exploring local and eclectic music prior to becoming editor of the publication
• Created “Global Buzz” section and handled press relations for coverage of well-known touring acts
• Layout, design, art co-direction; advertising/community partnerships; event emcee/spokesperson
• Improved and expanded magazine format, coverage, and content during its formative initial two years -
Interdisciplinary Arts Program Graduate Assistant (full scholarship)
Nova Southeastern University
(Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry)
January 2003 — August 2007 (4 years 8 months)
• Program development/implementation; marketing and website content development; student recruiting, advising, tracking; event, performance, and course coordination
• Assisted in Sweden at the IAP summer study abroad program with Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts (2004); served as a Lovewell Sweden Board Member from 2004–2006, wrote AmScan grant application and facilitated a relationship between Lovewell Florida and the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce
• Received the 2005 SWEA Cultural Scholarship from the Swedish Women's Educational Association for arts/ed work in support of Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts -
DJ/Radio Show Host (part-time during graduate studies)
Radio X 88.5 FM ("WNSU"/WKPX)
(Broadcast Media industry)
August 2005 — April 2006 (9 months)
• Proposed, designed, programmed, and hosted new eclectic radio show The Authentic Life featuring singer/songwriters, electronic, world music, film score, alternative, and cross-genre artists, incorporating local and independent music with a focus on authenticity and high quality music
• Created promotional online Web site and interacted with artists, fans, and promoters in a music director capacity for the show; referred music for other show formats to the station
• Collaborated with station manager and music director to streamline booth selections and procedures for DJs
• Researched, selected, and submitted new music for station; connected with record labels to acquire back catalog and new material
• Co-created and recorded PSAs, liners, bumpers, kickers, legal hour and station IDs with engineer
• Conducted on-air interviews with local and visiting artists -
Production Assistant (graduate internship)
Nefertiti Productions LLC
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Performing Arts industry)
December 2004 — May 2005 (6 months)
• Organizational, promotional, and creative assistance in all aspects of the May 2005 production of Nefertiti – A Musical Romance (Gore/Spangler) at the historic Parker Playhouse (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
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Music Business Consultant
Clear Perceptions Studios
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Music industry)
September 2000 — March 2003 (2 years 7 months)
• Accounting and business administration services, technology setup and assistance, organizational/studio assistance
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Director, Promotions & Distribution
Monomoy Records
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Music industry)
July 2002 — December 2002 (6 months)
• Managed production and distribution of CDs and retail/online marketing and promo materials
• Coordinated on-air and in-store promotions, tracked radio airplay and sales -
Co-Director
Heavy Rotation Records (Berklee College of Music Internship Program)
(Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Music industry)
May 2001 — May 2002 (1 year 1 month)
• Managed team of 30 contributors, worked directly with Epic/SONY in all aspects of label operations, including concert production and promotion, event planning, artist relations; writing and editing presentations, press kits, and bios; art direction, layout, graphic design, CD packaging, legal copy editing; promotion, marketing, publicity; concert emcee/press interviews
• Received Music Business Management Achievement Award for contributions to the College through this position -
Co-Editor-in-Chief
The Groove (Berklee College of Music)
(Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Writing and Editing industry)
April 2001 — May 2002 (1 year 2 months)
• Managed 15 staff writers and editors for weekly college newspaper; provided content and layout direction, desktop publishing, article/column editing and writing, photography, music conference/event coverage, and artist interviews
• Worked 15–20 hours while completing post-bac studies at Berklee College of Music -
Program Coordinator (part-time during post-bac studies)
Project STEP, Inc.
(Non-Profit; 1-10 employees; Music industry)
August 2000 — February 2001 (7 months)
• Event planning and hosting, fundraising and correspondence, public relations, artist/student relations
• Coordinated student enrichment concert program; managed office in absence of Executive Director
• Managed student applications, admissions, and payments; communicated with parents and donors
• Worked 15–30 hours per week while completing post-bac studies at Berklee College of Music -
Career Development Center Assistant (part-time during post-bac studies)
Berklee College of Music
(Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Music industry)
May 2000 — September 2000 (5 months)
• Assisted students, faculty, and alumni with career resources; compiled and posted job listings
• Researched online career and music industry specialty resources for Career Center Director -
International Marketing Specialist
Renaissance Cruises, Inc.
(Hospitality industry)
June 1999 — June 2000 (1 year 1 month)
• Managed and analyzed marketing budget for UK; coordinated design and distribution of all UK marketing materials, newspaper and magazine ads, and corporate partnership inserts
• Tracked inquiries and sales; researched competition; created presentations and training materials
• Promoted within six months from Hotel Inventory Administrator role managing guest hotel stays and transfers for six cruise ships sailing throughout Europe, the Far East, Africa, and the South Pacific
Note: Renaissance Cruises went out of business in 2001, but one of its chief executives (Frank Del Rio) went on to help create the luxury line Oceania Cruises based on many of Renaissance's successful principles. -
Marketing Assistant (paid internship)
Infinite Energy, Inc.
(Oil & Energy industry)
September 1996 — October 1997 (1 year 2 months)
• Presentations, research, marketing and sales assistance, client communications and site visits
• Worked 15–20 hours per week while completing undergraduate studies at University of Florida -
Career Resource Center Ambassador (part-time during undergraduate studies)
University of Florida
(Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)
November 1995 — February 1997 (1 year 4 months)
• Provided student body with career advising, resume and cover letter critiques, resource assistance, mock interviews, presentation development and delivery; employer relations
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Manager (paid internship)
Burdines, Inc.
(Retail industry)
May 1996 — August 1996 (4 months)
• Managed retail clothing merchandising, sales, and customer service in Men's Department of Federated Company's "Florida store" in Pembroke Pines anchor location
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Walt Disney World College Program (paid internship)
The Walt Disney Company
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Entertainment industry)
June 1995 — August 1995 (3 months)
• Comprehensive hospitality internship encompassing work/live/study experience on property (Disney-MGM Studios/Vista Way/Disney University and Disney Leaders Program)
• Walt Disney World College Program Alumni Scholarship Recipient – one of four winners selected based on project submitting a new idea to be implemented in core area of the Walt Disney Company
Melissa Axel’s Education
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Nova Southeastern University
MS Ed., Interdisciplinary Arts, 2003 — 2007
• Thesis (stage production): The Human Adventure (Writer, Composer, Performer, Creative Director)
• Research: Independent Support for Independent Music
• Board of Directors, Main Street Players Community Theatre of Miami Lakes (2004–2005)
• Script & songwriting assistance, Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, Sweden (2004)
• Board of Directors, Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts
• 2005 Cultural Scholarship (Swedish Women’s Education Association)- Activities and Societies:
- graduate assistant, Capstone performance volunteer, Radio X 88.5 FM DJ, graduate internship (Nefertiti – the Musical)
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Berklee College of Music
Professional Diploma, Music Business/Management, Music Technology, Production, Songwriting, Performance, 2000 — 2002
• Graduation Video: music supervision, direction, editing
• Bel Canto stage manager, Theatre Offensive of Boston
• Music Business Management Achievement Award recipient
• Presenter, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston's Tops of the Avenue Award for the partnership between Berklee College of Music's Heavy Rotation Records and Epic/SONY- Activities and Societies:
- Heavy Rotation Records, The Groove – Berklee's Student Voice, Student Affairs & Academic Affairs Policy Committees, Student Orientation Leaders, Graduation Committee, President's & Dean's Clubs, September Rising benefit compilation, Jadius benefit single, Berklee Techno/Rave Ensemble
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University of Florida - Warrington College Of Business
BSBA, Management, 1994 — 1998
• Creator, co-producer, performer, and coordinator, 1998 Sister Hazel Angels of Mercy Benefit Concert
• Florida Co-Op Placement Association Columnist
• Co-op & Internship Fair Co-Director
• Career Expo Correspondence Director
• Project Sea World Management Team/Historian
• Youth Motivator: CHAMPS and Take Stock in Children- Activities and Societies:
- Women's Chorale, Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity (Vice President for Professional Activities, Public Relations Chair)
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Broward Community College
N/A, Psychology, Philosophy (Ethics), 1993 — 1994
Dual enrollment during high school (6 credits)
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Harvard University
N/A, Astronomy, Literature, 1993 — 1993
Summer program for Secondary School students (8 credits)
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Western High School
- Activities and Societies:
- Advanced Chorale, Theatre Club/Thespians, Peer Counseling
Additional Information
Melissa Axel’s Websites:
Melissa Axel’s Interests:
creativity, music, writing, recording/production, multimedia, film, arts, culture, travel, diversity, equality, communications, good conversation, good food, thoughtfulness, balance, integrity, humanity
Melissa Axel’s Groups:
ASCAP, NARAS, GRAMMY U, KUVO jazz89 public radio (supporting member and volunteer), KGNU community radio (volunteer), Swallow Hill Music Association (supporting member), GoGirls Music, Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, Camp Nova, Human Rights Campaign (supporting member), Improv Everywhere, Bingo & Spaghetti Productions
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Women in Music National Network -
Musicians -
Green Group -
Networking 4 Green -
World Music Network -
The Apple Mac Group -
Green -
Friends of Colorado -
Media Professionals -
Music and Entertainment Professionals -
Music Industry Forum -
MusicBiz -
Music Industry Network -
The Write Group -
Linked To Denver -
Disney College Program Alumni (WDW & DL) -
Colorado Artist Network
Melissa Axel’s Honors:
2007 Denver Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts nominee, 2005 SWEA Cultural Scholar (Swedish Women's Educational Association), NSU Interdisciplinary Arts Program Assistantship (full scholarship), Music Business Management Achievement Award (Berklee College of Music), President's Club (Berklee College of Music), National Merit Scholar/Florida Academic Scholar (University of Florida)
Melissa Axel’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- expertise requests
- business deals
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
