Melissa Elliott trained in classical piano and French horn, going on to York University to do a BA in music. She then moved to Prague and established a music department at an international secondary school 'The English College in Prague' in 2000. This led to further studying in the field of ethnomusicology, specialising in Jewish music, followed by a PhD in ethnomusicology researching Romani music making in Ostrava, Czech Republic. As part of this Melissa spent a year living with Roma, making music with them, participating in community life and attending as many musical celebrations as possible.
Learning the accordion and music therapy seemed to follow on naturally from these experiences and she now lives in Cardiff practicing as a music therapist with adults with learning difficulties, and through Sing and Grow UK with groups of parents and young children. Melissa is also the co-ordinator of the Wales area members group of the British Association of Music Therapy.