BIOGRAPHY
With more than 18 years of experience as a teacher, singer and performer, Melissa taught at Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta for over 13 years, with many celebrity clients such as Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20, Usher and TLC, just to name a few. She has now brought her vast experience to Nashville. As a performer, Melissa has shared the stage with major recording artists, such as Toni Braxton, Caron Wheeler, India Arie, and Geoff McBride. Since arriving in Nashville in 2007, she has performed with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Celebration Chorus, the Settles Connection, and Melinda Doolittle, and is now coaching country music star, Joe Nichols.
As a vocal coach, along with addressing standard fundamental singing techniques like breath support, range, tone quality, projection, proper practice techniques, and vocal health and maintenance, Melissa has the experience to assist her students and songwriter clients with style development, performance and delivery. She helps her students overcome obstacles that hinder them from realizing their full potential.
Melissa has vast knowledge of and continued involvement in the music business. Melissa was one of only six delegates chosen to represent the Recording Academy as a music industry panelist at the first ever Grammy Conference in Beijing, China, 2004. She is a proud voting member of the Grammys, NARAS*, as well as SHOF*/ NAPM*, NFAA*. Her writer affiliation is ASCAP*. She has received awards for her teaching and songwriting and co-managed a booking agency -- all of which allow her to educate her students regarding the general ‘how to’ of making a living in the music industry.
EDUCATION
Education:
- Voice teaching apprenticeship under Jan Smith, of Jan Smith Studios
- Five years contemporary voice instruction
- One year classical voice instruction
- Georgia State University – Secondary Education major
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