Originally focused on a musical career, Melanie first studied at the Queensland Conservatorium before moving to The Netherlands to continue studies in historical performance practice. She then went on to complete her PhD at The University of Edinburgh, where she researched the life and work of 18th century musical instrument maker Theodor Lotz, an associate of Mozart. She also completed an Associateship of the Museums Association while working as the Assistant Curator of the Shackleton Collection at the Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. Returning to Australia, Melanie managed the James Cook Museum in Cooktown before taking up a position with the Queensland Museum Network as a Museum Development Officer. She lives in Mackay and works with collecting organisations across Central Queensland.