Personof Interest

In Conversation With Claudia Melton

THE LOCAL MUSICIAN AND EDUCATOR SPEAKS ON HER DEEP-ROOTED APPRECIATION FOR MUSIC, THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTS EDUCATION AND MORE

BY: KYLIE COOPER PORTRAIT BY: SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

The start of Claudia Melton’s musical journey can be traced back to her childhood home. At just four years old, Melton was learning to hit the right notes and sing in tune thanks to her mother, a retired music teacher. While learning the violin shortly after, she quickly discovered she has an intrinsic ear for music — and hasn’t looked back since. From singing alongside artists such as Erykah Badu and Common to learning 22 songs in 24 hours to perform at one of RC & The Gritz’s longest-running jam sessions in the DFW metroplex, Melton is no stranger to the big leagues. However, the sparkling city by the sea has always had a special place in her heart and story.

You were born into a family of talented musicians; how have they encouraged and inspired you over the years?

CM: I pay tribute to my mom for the musical foundation she laid and to my brother Carl for hosting the platform for me to shine. My mom was at every recital and every music lesson. She would be in the kitchen washing dishes while I was practicing and say, “Play measure 12 again! It’s getting better but play it slowly this time.” Today, my brother Carl and I play together at The Republic of Texas, and he is always showing me new music to check out so we can play it. He challenges me to be a better musician.

Speaking of family, your father Claude Melton is the former president of the iconic Texas Jazz Festival. How does it feel to now be a part of such an important community event he once helped to organize?

CM: It is an honorable feeling to be a part of the festival. I often think about his leadership and success while operating the festival for 15 years, and how much it has grown today. I have been performing at the festival since the 2000s and every year my father would sit in the front row and have the biggest grin on his face during the show. Seeing me on stage made him proud, and I cherish those moments forever.

You’ve sung alongside and opened for a variety of artists — Norah Jones, Boyz II Men and Erykah Badu, to name a few. Do you have a favorite performance memory when it comes to collaborating and singing with others?

CM: My absolute best memories happened on Wednesdays at The Prophet Bar with RC & The Gritz Band (Erykah Badu’s band) in Deep Ellum. RC & The Gritz hosts the longest-running jam session in the DFW metroplex, and when you enter the room, you might see famous musicians hit the stage or a one-of-a-kind Prince tribute. One of my most memorable nights was when I learned 22 songs in 24 hours because I had to learn three different artists' songs! I didn’t think I could do it, but I lived and breathed those songs every minute until showtime and didn’t skip a line.

Rapid Fire Q's –

Favorite instrument to play? Piano

Instrument you’ve always wanted to learn? Harp

Dream collaborator? H.E.R.

What song do you have on repeat right now?

“Too Bad I Forget” by Alex Isley

Three local restaurants you love?

Spice Station, Ginger Cafe and Doc’s Seafood

In addition to your various musical endeavors, you’re also a music teacher, plus you’ve made significant contributions to arts education in the form of curriculum implementation. I’d love to hear your perspective on the importance of arts education.

CM: I work with a phenomenal team of elementary music curriculum writers for CCISD. I didn’t realize the significance of a good music teacher until I was in the classroom and became one. I was awarded over $5,000 in grant money from CCEF and TMEA to help fund my music program at Barnes Elementary since 2021. A parent reached out and said, “If it wasn’t for your music class, my son would have had a hard time at school. He looked forward to Thursdays when he went to [your class].” Music represents humanity, so we must keep it alive in our schools. Music literacy supports reading, composition, math, linguistics, kinesthetics, mental health and more.

Any upcoming projects to share?

CM: This year, I will be releasing a wellanticipated album, A Land Called Love, that I have been writing for six years — so be on the lookout for it on my website. I perform at Harrison’s Landing monthly for full moon cruises and holiday events. You can find me playing jazz piano and singing the hits as a resident artist at The Republic of Texas at The Omni Hotel alongside my brother Carl and Jon Perez. I’ll be headlining at the Texas Jazz Festival each year in October. Continue reading at thebendmag.com

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