MUSIC and MINISTRY

I am a multi-genre vocalist, songwriter and arranger that ministers in churches and presents in griot tradition in secular spaces. I weave together testimonies, and biblical and life stories, in word and in song to engage community in healing and edifying processes. By profession I am an educator with extensive experience visioning for and building programs and ministries to better serve communities of varied and specific ages, levels, abilities and backgrounds. I collaborate with individuals, institutions and organizations to curate private and community workshops, masterclasses and events. I also offer a range of musical services in education and ministry, including personal and ensemble coaching and training, arranging for vocals, songwriting, and various forms of performance production and direction. I am also available for pulpit supply (preaching).

BEADED BODYWARE

I began beading as a mode of meditation.  After spending a focused summer on my first projects I began to develop a technique, spiritual posture and awareness of the healing and beautifying capacities of this new artistic expression.  Not long after a dear friend connected me with a photo shoot opportunity that opened up into one of my first pieces being featured on the cover of the 2001 Graphis Photo Annual. This began my long term relationship with beading under the former name, Innermost Jewels, now… Innermost Beading by Nedelka. Innermost Beading by Nedelka pieces are custom designs created with human-made, recycled and organic materials curated into wearable art. In conversation with customers, each piece is constructed with prayers for deep inner healing, a mindfulness of the nature and healing power of colors, and with careful attention to bead count and the divine symbolism of numeric values.

CHILDREN and YOUTH MUSIC LEARNING CENTER

MUSICOLIA is the synthesis of my life’s work in education. Holding a thirty-year long vision to build a community center, the time has come. MUSICOLIA serves children and youth in their musical development. My belief is that EVERY child should have an excellent musical formation. In conversation with parents and caregivers, private music learning sessions range from musical playtime for toddlers (designed to support their cognitive development) to piano instruction for young learners (also engaging in gentle ear and vocal awareness, as well, musical literacy and appreciation of contemporary, classical and multi-cultural musics) to vocal coaching for youth and young adults preparing for auditions, performances and recording.