Melina Santiago Abrego, also known as Melina Schuster, of Mexican origin, started studying music at the age of 6. It was during that same year when she won the Yamaha music competition of young composers.

She studied piano performance at the music faculty of the Universidad Veracruzana in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico and later at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, Belgium, under the direction of prestigious pianists Olga Roumshevich and first prize international Queen Elizabeth Laureate pianist Evgeny Mogilevsky, who also was a distinguished student of the prestigious pianist Henrich Neuhaus. Throughout her career, Melina has been standing out for her talent, interpretative ability, and her great sensitivity. This led her to perform arround Mexico, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. In Mexico, she participated in charity concerts to benefit underprivileged children in the metropolitan area of Xalapa, her hometown. In Italy, she was notably recognized for her participation at the second edition of the Festival Internazionale "Duchi D'Acquaviva".

During her artistic career, Melina decided to take a long break to dedicate herself to exploring other paths totally different from music, studying and pursuing a successful international business career. This path led her to live experiences in different countries that would change her life: “When I stopped playing the piano, I never imagined it would be for so long, but having known myself in other facets of my personality has greatly enriched my way of playing now, full experiences, self-knowledge and the unbreakable will, that comes from the accumulated desire to do what I am most passionate about.”

After 15 years away from the stage and any musical activity, Melina returned to the piano with determination, tenacity, discipline, and relentless effort—qualities that were quickly recognized, being honored with numerous international awards, including: the Jury Special Prize of the 4 Seasons Vienna International Musician Competition of Vienna, the Master Gold Prize and the Master Gold Prize 20th and 21st Century Music at the Colors of Chopin International Piano Competition of Warsow, the First Prize: 9th International Piano Competition of Poland, the First Prize of the AEGIO International Piano Competition Global final Round in Milano, the Second Prize of the Moscow Music Competition, the Bronze Hands CARLES & SOFIA International piano competition of Spain and the First Prize of the World’s Best Musicians Competition of Warsaw, the First prize at the Bach International Music Competition of Gdansk, Poland and the Third prize at the International Mozart Competition Vienna, between others.

Her genuine, joyful and passionate personality is reflected in each of her performances, where she envelops you in a wave of nuances and dynamics with her exceptional and highly personal interpretations. In particular, her Mexican music repertoire has garnered multiple recognitions and is always a part of her program.

Melina currently lives in Switzerland, a place where, in her own words, she has found the perfect balance between nature, peace, and personal growth. It is here that she has experienced a profound rebirth, a beautiful reconnection with music, her eternal love and her inseparable life companion.