Rising Stars: Meet Melissa Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Carter. 

Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have been a singer, performer, and musician my entire life. I’ve studied and honed a lot of my craft, but it was not until I started teaching music to others where I found my true purpose. I began vocal coaching to young girls in my community right out of my home church. I began to get fulfilled once I saw the direct impact I was having through music. That led to the start of Vocal University. My virtual studio-based company that teaches voice and beginner piano lessons to students all over. This is only the spark of my dreams. Outside of wanting to evolve into a successful musical artist, I want to expand Vocal University into an institution that teaches core curriculum courses through the lens of music and performing arts. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth attaining or having success with comes easy. As a creative, there are many mental battles I’ve struggled with over the years. Everything ranging from imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, fear of failure etc. Finding your voice and being true to yourself is the highest honor you can give to yourself but also one of the toughest things you can experience. I’m in a place now where my own voice is the loudest, and any outside noise is irrelevant. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Many people in my city know me for singing. And specifically singing and playing in my father’s church. I’ve been a PK my whole life, and although the spotlight has always been on us because of my father’s leadership in the community, I’ve always had my own shine with singing. I’ve had a lot of local and regional support when it came to performances. I was selected twice by NBC to have a private audition for The Voice. I’ve featured on several musical tracks. I’ve created, and co-directed music videos for my music, and I’ve been the music director at my church since I was 12. There’s not a lot I know about, but one thing I do know… is that I can sing! Lol 

What matters most to you? Why?
Following God’s path for my life is the most important thing to me. I don’t want to be outside of His will. That’s scary. I want to get to the end of my life and know that I have given everything that was placed inside of me that I was supposed to give out to the world. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vocal-university.com
• Instagram: Mellyrue
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MelissaCarterRue
• Other: https://linktr.ee/MelissaRuCarter

Image Credits
Chelsey Johnson Photography