Fellow smarties, allow me to introduce, Melissa Powell! She is an extremely musically inclined, rockstar momma of three kiddos. She currently teaches Music Together classes in the greater Charlotte area, but had quite a journey to get there. She immersed herself in theatre and the fine arts in her early middle-school years and developed an immense passion for acting. Having the opportunity to discuss her theatrical past, she described acting as:
“Not only a wonderful way to play “pretend” all the time, but as an actor, you are given the intense responsibility of making the audience FEEL something. I loved that…. loved being able to give people something… whether it was getting them in touch with emotions, making them laugh, or helping them learn something new.”
Being youthful and courageous, she and her now husband decided to “take the plunge” and move to NYC following their undergraduate studies at Troy University. While in NYC, she attended a musical theater conservatory and soaked up every ounce of theatrical training possible. She even performed in a few Broadway plays, though she humbly states, “in teeny-tiny theaters”. She also performed in venues such as the Children’s Theater at Circle in the Square on Broadway, as well as a few indie films! So incredibly adventurous, right?!?
Her journey eventually led her to fall in LOVE with teaching Music Together, after she and her husband decided it was time to start a family of their own. She began training in 2006 and was elated to learn she was pregnant with their first son. She began teaching Music Together in 2007, when they moved to North Carolina and states, “I loved acting (and still do commercials with my boys occasionally around Charlotte), but the opportunity to see the same faces week after week, and hear the stories of how music is bringing joy to families, is the BEST!”.
Let’s get to know Melissa better…
Married to: Weston Burroughs, who is my musical balance, does all the dishes, and loves Alabama football!
Children and ages: Jack age 9, Davis age 7, Henry age 2
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Years in Charlotte: 9 1/2
Area in Charlotte: Union County
Alma Mater: Troy State University in Alabama, and Circle in the Square Theater Conservatory in NYC
Undergrad study: Musical Theater
Tell us about being Music Together teacher!
Music Together gives families so much. Yes, there is a ton of learning being done in class (and at home when the families do music at home!), but there is so much more. Bonds are created, grownups are given tricks to help with difficult moments in parenting, and it’s just so FUN! To a child in music class, they are just playing and having a good time …. To an adult, they are working on development (emotional, social, language, physical, cognitive… and musical!) and experimenting in a world where they are without performance pressure. Ever see that lightbulb moment when a child figures something out for themselves? It’s amazing!
I love what I do and never feel like my “job” is a job! Having the opportunity to give families something that will impact not only their current lives at home, but the futures of their children, is simply amazing. I am so blessed to be invited on so many children’s journeys! I appreciate every day that I found my special path.
(Smarty note: Check out more on Music Together of Charlotte on their website, facebook, and Instagram.)
Time for the fun stuff…
What is your favorite book?
I used to LOVE to read and would read at least two books a week! Then came children. Now I’ve probably read 10 books in so many years (that were not about music or parenting). So… I can’t say I have a favorite. Right now I’m reading with my 5th grader who is homeschooled and enjoying some wonderful literature. We just read Bridge to Terabithia (tears!) and Tuck Everlasting, and I’m finding the joy in taking time to read again.
Dream vacation spot?
Anywhere warm. I’m a true Florida girl and am always yearning for the sun!
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Macaroni and cheese for sure!
Favorite date-night spot?
With three kiddos, date nights are rare. We love to go to the theater and see musicals when we do get a night out. I’m blessed with a wonderful husband who loves the theater as much as I do!
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