We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Chin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I discovered my purpose at the intersection of my passion for music and my background in psychology. As a therapist, I saw the incredible power of music as a therapeutic tool in healing and connecting with others. Combining that with my lifelong love for music and teaching, I started Melissa T Music Lessons. Witnessing the positive impact of music education on my students’ lives, I knew I had found my calling. It was a journey of self-discovery, where I embraced my strengths and experiences, ultimately leading me to create a space where music and art could transform lives. Every day, I feel fulfilled knowing that I can make a difference in my students’ journey, empowering them to find their voice and creativity through music.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an entrepreneur, my journey began when I faced challenges as a therapist in Baltimore. Despite being licensed and experienced, I encountered difficulties finding a job due to various factors. During this time, my husband and I embarked on a mission to plant a church in the city. It was then that I seized the opportunity to share my passion for music and education by starting Melissa T Music Lessons.
My motivation was two-fold: to fill the void of accessible and diverse music education and to create a space where people from all walks of life could find solace, growth, and empowerment through music. My background in psychology equipped me to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds, making the learning experience more meaningful and transformative.
One of the most exciting aspects of Melissa T Music Lessons is our team of talented senior music instructors. Their diverse backgrounds, expertise, and commitment to excellence ensure that every student receives personalized and top-quality lessons. We take pride in our inclusive environment, embracing diversity in culture, gender, and sexuality, fostering a welcoming space for everyone.
To further enhance our impact, I self-published a book called “My Journey My Music: A Piano Lesson Book for Kids.” This unique book not only teaches music reading skills but also celebrates the contributions of African Americans to American history and society. It’s our way of promoting representation and diversity within the music community.
As we continue to grow, we’re applying to grants and collecting donations to expand from a virtual music school to a physical presence in Baltimore. By offering not just music lessons but also dance, yoga, recording studio services, and photography facilities, we aim to breathe life into the community and merge virtual and in-person experiences into one creative space.
Through our endeavors, we aspire to provide accessible and enriching music education to all, while also creating more employment opportunities for the community. I’m hoping that with the support of those who believe in Melissa T Music Lessons, we can climb new heights, impacting even more lives through the transformative power of music. I want to build a stronger, more vibrant community through the universal language of melody and rhythm.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur, there were three qualities that truly made a significant impact on my path to success. First and foremost, resilience has been my greatest ally. Throughout the ups and downs of building my music education company, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. But it was my ability to bounce back, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward that allowed me to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.
Secondly, adaptability has been crucial. The world of music education is ever-evolving, especially in the digital age. Embracing new technologies and staying open to innovative teaching methods has allowed me to stay relevant and meet the changing needs of my students and the community.
Lastly, passion has been the driving force behind my journey. My unwavering love for music and my belief in its transformative power have fueled my dedication to providing exceptional education and therapy experiences for my students. Passion keeps me motivated, inspires my team, and helps me maintain a strong connection with those I serve.
For those who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey, I would advise them to cultivate these qualities. Embrace resilience, knowing that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Be adaptable and willing to explore new approaches, as innovation often leads to growth. Above all, find and hold onto your passion, as it will be the driving force behind your accomplishments and bring authenticity to your work.
Additionally, I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to seek mentors and connect with like-minded individuals in their industry. Learning from others who have experienced similar challenges can provide invaluable insights and support.
Remember that every step of the journey, even the smallest ones, contributes to your growth. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and stay true to your vision. It’s not always an easy road, but with the right mindset and prayer, you can create a meaningful and impactful venture that leaves a lasting impression on your community and beyond.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Certainly, not having a dedicated physical space for Melissa T Music Lessons has presented us with several challenges. While we have been successful in delivering online music lessons, there are limitations to the virtual experience. Having a brick-and-mortar location would significantly enhance our ability to serve the community and provide a well-rounded music education experience.
One of the main challenges is the inability to offer in-person lessons for those who prefer face-to-face interactions. While virtual lessons are convenient and accessible, some students thrive in a traditional setting with a teacher present, allowing for immediate feedback and a deeper connection.
Additionally, not having a physical space limits our capacity to host group lessons, workshops, and community events. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and create a vibrant musical community. With a dedicated location, we could offer a variety of music-related activities that cater to students of all ages and skill levels.
Furthermore, having our own space would enable us to create a dynamic and inspiring environment for learning. It would be a place where students can explore their musical passions, collaborate with others, and be immersed in a supportive and creative atmosphere.
Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a physical location. We firmly believe that having our own space will open doors to new opportunities, expand our impact, and enable us to serve even more students. We are actively seeking grants and donations to make this dream a reality, and we are confident that with the support of our community and the determination of our team, we will overcome this obstacle and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students through the power of music.
Contact Info:
- Website: melissatmusic.com
- Instagram: @melissatmusic
- Facebook: Melissa T Music Lessons
- Youtube: @iammelissatmusic
Image Credits
Cinergy Media Group
