Melanie Baez is originally from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, but has lived most of her life in Tampa, Florida. She grew up surrounded by music, singing, and dancing and eventually discovered a passion for performing. Throughout Elementary, Middle, and High school Melanie immersed herself in music programs including chorus, show choir, barbershop quartets, and gospel club. She received an Associates in Arts from the performing arts program at Hillsborough Community College with a major in Voice and a minor in Classical Guitar. At HCC she received classical and musical theater training with a voice coach, Ruthie Nelson, and was offered several solo performing opportunities. Melanie is excited to be part of the team of talented teachers at Music & Me and sharing her love of music with the families of St. Petersburg. As a native speaker of Spanish and English, she teaches both Music Together and Canta y Baila Conmigo classes at the studio and in schools and also at Allisongs for Tots in Tampa.