Conversations with Melissa Ann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Ann. 

Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. With the help of my grandfather, I fell in love with the music of country legends, such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and so many more. As I grew up, my love for singing grew as well when I became involved in school choirs and musicals. Fast forward to 2017: I was encouraged by family and friends to start performing locally in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Ever since, I have had so many incredible opportunities to perform along the east coast, including a performance at an event hosted by “The Voice” in New York City. I have also met so many incredible fans, friends, musicians, and songwriters along the way that helped me grow into the performer I am today. I’m very excited to continue this journey and I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for me! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride! Getting started, I was very self-conscious and very nervous. At that point in my life, it had been a VERY long time since I sang publicly. I was so scared, wondering what everyone was going to think of me. Now, of course, I still get nervous! But my confidence has grown so much thanks to so many people in my life! 

Also, as we all know, COVID has definitely changed the world in so many ways. When it first began and we were all quarantined, I was worried that I would not be able to perform for a while. Then, my dad got the idea to perform from home and live stream it on social media! I eventually started performing outside my house when the weather became warmer and called it “Live on Amberfield Drive!” All of my neighbors took an hour out of their day on the weekends to come together, while staying socially distant of course! They grabbed their beach chairs, their favorite drinks, and their family as we sang and danced the night away! We even dedicated one night to our local first responders and raised money for them! When I started performing at local establishments again in the summer of 2020, many people have told me that they miss the performances on my driveway and are asking me to do it again! We’ll see what the new year has in store =) 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Although I have been a singing since I was around the age of three, I do have another passion: teaching! When I was in first and second grade, I realized I wanted to inspire others, just like the teachers that inspired me: Mrs. Karen Bradley and Mrs. Gina Elliot. I went to Holy Family University in Philadelphia, where I received my degree in elementary/special education. For the past seven years, I have been teaching at the school that helped me grow into the woman I am today: St. Charles Borromeo Parish School in Cinnaminson, NJ. They are extremely supportive of me and my dreams, some of my co-workers and students have even come to local performances! I’m proud to be both a teacher and a performer because I get to work with others all the time, which is something I love to do! I truly learn something new every day, whether it’s from my students in the classroom, or from a songwriter during a session. I remember someone once told me that I remind them of Hannah Montana: teacher by day, singer at night! 

I have also ventured into the world of songwriting thanks to Kenny Curcio! He helped me co-write my song “Gone” and I’m currently in the process of writing more that I can’t wait for you all to hear! 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love working with other people, groups, and organizations! You can contact me through my email or through my website! 

I also love meeting new people at my shows or on social media! Please check out my website to see if I’m performing near you and don’t be afraid to send me a message on Instagram or Facebook to introduce yourself beforehand! I’ll definitely find you at the show! =) 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.melissaannmusic.com
• Instagram: _melissaannmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaAnnMusicNJ/

Image Credits
Happy Hour Photography