Music & Arts Educator with a Passion for Early Childhood Education. Melissa Kinney, a proud Dallas native, has a rich and diverse background in the arts. Her journey into music began at home, inspired by her father, Dan Kinney, an audio engineer and blues musician. From a young age, Melissa was encouraged to sing and explore creative expression, sparking her lifelong passion for the arts. Her educational journey has been deeply rooted in a variety of disciplines, including visual, literary, and performing arts such as dance, theatre, and music.

As a child, she performed as a vocalist with The Lions Club, later advancing her craft through private vocal lessons and working alongside professional touring musicians. Melissa’s acting education includes classes with esteemed instructors like Daniel Foster of Class Act Dallas and Glenn Morshower of The Artists Playground. In addition to her vocal and acting pursuits, Melissa studied under Farasha Azad and performed for over a decade with the Zaara Bellydance Troupe.

She currently shares her expertise as a professional ballroom dance instructor with Arthur Murray. Melissa believes in nurturing creativity, confidence, and joy through music and the arts. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of a fun and engaging learning environment, where students of all ages are encouraged to express themselves and build a lifelong love of the arts. As an advocate for early childhood music education, Melissa leads engaging classes such as Baby and Toddler Music, Instrument Explorers, designed to introduce young children to the world of music. With an animated and enthusiastic approach, she combines storytelling, interactive musical activities, and foundational skills to inspire curiosity and creativity in her youngest students. Melissa’s dedication to sharing her love of music and performance ensures a dynamic and enriching educational experience for everyone she teaches.