Hi, I’m Melia!

Musician, Songwriter, Actor,
Vocal Coach, Song Leader
& Workshop Facilitator.

I’ve spent much of my life creating, performing and sharing music. From international touring and theatre productions to community choirs, singing circles and workshops. At the heart of it all is a deep passion for song, storytelling, and connection.

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It Started With A Song.

I wrote my first song when I was five years old, and I’ve been fascinated by voice, harmony and storytelling ever since. As a child I sang in choirs, performed in school musicals and created a band with my sister Nerida where we wrote and performed our own songs touring nationally and internationally discovering the power that music has to connect people. What began as a love of singing led me to study acting at the Victorian College of Arts, performing professionally and then teaching and supporting others to discover their own voice.

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When people ask me what I do, I have to pause and smile. Not because I don’t know the answer, but because I never quite know which part to lead with!

Quite simply, I love wearing many creative hats and doing lots of different things, often simultaneously!

I’m an actor and performer, currently touring my one-woman award-winning musical comedy show Amalfi Roast to sold-out audiences around Australia.

I’m a theatre-maker, storyteller and songwriter who loves collaborating with other creatives to bring new work to life.

I’m one-third of The Gumboots, an award-winning rock-band for kids and their families. I write, play and perform delightfully silly, and engaging songs for curious minds and our debut album ‘Cos Gumboots Are The Best’ has just been released.

I’m a song leader, facilitating Shire Choir, and group singing experiences for people of all ages throughout the Northern Rivers. I also host a weekly Women’s Singing Circle, which is one of the great joys of my week.

I’m a Natural Voice Leader and vocal coach, working with singers, actors, performers, speakers and theatre companies, locally and internationally, to help people discover, strengthen and find freedom and joy in their own unique and natural voice.

And perhaps most importantly, I’m a mum of two energetic boys and a very enthusiastic border collie pup (what was I thinking?!). Together with my wonderful partner, I’m grateful to call the stunning Northern Rivers ‘home’ and to live, create, sing and share music on Bundjalung Country.

  • "Melia is an exceptional vocal teacher. Whether she’s accompanying you on piano or guitar, she constantly supports and encourages your growth while helping you find your own unique voice. Her enthusiasm, especially when guiding you through the unknown, is endless, and it has truly helped shape me into a confident and strong vocalist. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learnt from her throughout the years."

    – ANNIKA STAUTNER, VOCAL COACHING STUDENT

  • "Since starting lessons with Melia over 7 years ago, I have gained so much confidence and discovered so much about my voice. Singing lessons with Melia almost never feel like lessons- they feel like a jam session. She creates such a comfortable and supportive space, allowing and encouraging you to explore new parts of your voice and develop vocal skills and techniques you may never have thought possible. For me, those discoveries soon became my favourite parts of my voice."

    – VOCAL COACHING STUDENT

  • "I have had the pleasure of working with Melia both as a fellow actor and across multiple productions as a musical theatre director. She is an extraordinarily intuitive, courageous and deeply impassioned performer whose creative instincts are refreshingly original, consistently bringing unexpected perspectives that elevate the work beyond the ordinary."

    — KATE FOSTER - MUSICAL THEATRE DIRECTOR & ACTOR

  • "Melia creates a safe, inspiring and productive environment that encourages creativity and growth as a musician. She has played an incredibly important role in helping me discover my own musical voice and path, and I’m so grateful for her guidance, support and encouragement along the way. Melia is genuinely someone I could make music with forever."

    – SUGAR ELSOM - VOCAL COACHING STUDENT

  • "Each week we are greeted by an infectious smile, a twinkle of fun and passionate intent amid a crop of flaming hair: who else could it be but Melia Naughton. Beguiled by a sense of playfulness, we are lured into Melia’s innate journey for perfection. From the very simple opening of our mouths in a gentle hum to embracing movement and unity. From simple to the most complex lyrics, dissonance and harmonies, Melia enthuses a pursuit for excellence in sound, diction and performance. "

    – NICOLA HARRIS - SINGING CIRCLE PARTICIPANT

  • "I’m glad I was so fortunate to have a piano teacher as endlessly patient, friendly and knowledgeable as Melia. She is not only a highly skilled and professional musician but also a gifted teacher who knows exactly how to bring out the best in her students. I had weekly piano lessons with her for over a year, and she tailored the lessons to my musical interests and encouraged me to push my abilities. She’s so inspiring with her incredible talent! I do intend to resume lessons later this year, knowing that she will help me progress in technique and skill. Thank you, Melia."

    – JULIE STRECKFUSS - PIANO STUDENT

  • "My daughter has been working with Melia for nearly five years, and her role has far surpassed that of a vocal coach. As a mentor to a young artist and performer, her real-world guidance and encouragement have been just as valuable as her professional expertise. Melia’s genuine passion for music and the craft brings so much joy and inspiration to every lesson. We are incredibly grateful for the confidence, creativity, and growth Melia has helped nurture over the years, and I cannot recommend her highly enough."

    – SHEREE COMMERFORD - PARENT OF VOCAL COACHING STUDENT

  • "Melia's weekly Singing Circle gathering has become both a creative and supportive space - a place where many have found the confidence to step into performance and develop their voice. Melia’s thoughtful direction and creativity makes the circle feel really special. It’s a space that nurtures both musical growth and personal connection, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of Melia’s circle."

    – NORAH GEORGE - SINGING CIRCLE PARTICIPANT

  • "I had the good fortune to join Melia's Singing Circle and ‘Oh my goodness’ what an extraordinarily dynamic, multi-talented performer she is and the most delightful woman. This is not just a choir, it is an ‘earthy’ experience where we sing acappella with gorgeous harmonies, in a beautiful location. Melia has created a circle of amazing women who gather in a safe space to laugh and make music - it's pure joy & soul food!"

    — NICKY ROWNTREE - SINGING CIRCLE PARTICIPANT

  • "Working alongside Melia is always a pleasure. As a vocal coach, she brings not only exceptional technical knowledge and musicality, but also a positive, encouraging presence that performers easily respond to. Her ability to clearly communicate and build confidence brings out the best in singers making her an invaluable asset."

    — MARGARET CURTIS - MUSICIAN, MUSIC TEACHER & MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Let’s Collaborate!

Whether you’ve got a creative idea brewing you’d like to collaborate on, you’re looking for vocal coaching, you’d love to bring a singing experience to your community, or you’re simply curious about what happens when a room full of humans sing their hearts out together, let’s explore what’s possible.

EXPLORE VOCAL COACHING
EXPLORE WORKSHOPS
EXPLORE MY PORTFOLIO
JOIN A SINGING CIRCLE
COME TO SHIRE CHOIR
LISTEN TO THE GUMBOOTS
CHECK OUT AMALFI ROAST
GET IN TOUCH