Denise Mininfield is a vocalist born in Berkeley California and entered into music by two paths. The first was by being forced by her mother to learn the piano as a youngster. The second started in the 4th grade where Denise showed an interest in the flute. Why the flute? "Because I liked the sound". It's as simple as that!

The world didn't reckon with what was coming in the future. Denise started playing in the jazz band at her Berkeley High School and what a great jazz band it was, under the directorship of Phil Hardyman. The school band took honours in many competitions throughout Reno and other places. And it was Phil Hardyman who acknowledged that Denise had tone.

"I'll never forget it. I was in class and for some reason he decided to ask me to see if I could hear and sing the notes he was playing. I had no idea why. Next thing I knew he was giving me a piece to learn to sing with the show. I was scared but I wanted to do it.

Up until this time, Denise had restricted herself to singing with the church congregation but never by herself. So life went on. Denise and her flute and every teacher in the school wanting to hear her sing. Cruel but kind on a young kid with God-given talent but also extremely character-building.Denise sang herself to the 9th grade and found herself in the 'right place at the right time'.

A teacher from the main high school came down to recruit for his 'show'. Denise Mininfield was about to arrive because of one Mr. Herbert Mims. "...'You're a natural, girl', was what he used to say to me".

Not only was Herbert Mims a teacher with a Rock / Soul class but also a professional artist with the once Eastbay Band. Not only did Denise become the MC of his 'show' but also found her first professional gig thanks to Herbert. Even now, natural talent will not get you to the top and along came Mr. Vince Gomez who was a jazz and classical musician. Denise started to learn to sing 'properly'.

Much against everyone's belief, Denise went on to star in the lead role of many major school musicals. Her cup was now overflowing as she sang with other bands as well as performing on stage in other areas of the arts.

Determined to better herself still, she sought training with a private teacher by the name of Mrs. Hughes in Berkeley who specialised in contralto.

As she moved on in her music, Denise started singing all kinds of music from rock and roll, classical, R&B and Jazz. Singing had overtaken playing. Denise worked with many groups and then finally on her own. She started to be feature with different people and then by creating her own shows.Still with the goal of being better, Denise started studying with Mrs. Judy Davis of Oakland. Not the easiest of schools to gain entry to, but once again, through sheer talent and determination Denise made it... and made herself who she is today.