BRIANNA LANE MELFORD 


they/them/she/her

www.briannalanemusic.com ◆ www.thewarminghouse.net

OVERVIEW

Currently seeking flexible full or part-time, remote or hybrid work in a creative field. 

Extremely organized and systems oriented. Ambitious entrepreneur and business professional. Co-owner/operator of Farmstead Bike Shop & Raven’s Nest Cafe.. Accomplished songwriter/composer and performing musician, and music educator.  Combined talents to establish and operate The Warming House - a non-profit music venue for a diverse group of songwriters and musicians.

SKILLS


Project management - Self-motivated - Detail oriented - Managing employees/interns - Budget management - Grant writing -  Mentoring artists - Performance feedback - Teaching - Business management - Social media strategies - Program leadership - Booking/Producing shows - Extensive performance background - Artist career coaching



WORK HISTORY


Co-owner/Operator, 06/2015 to current

Farmstead Bike Shop & Raven’s Nest Cafe - Minneapolis, MN & Northfield, MN


  • Established multiple LLCs and DBAs for two bike shop locations, and the addition of a cafe within the second bike shop.

  • Managed all of the backend paperwork including but not limited to: onboarding all employees, running payroll, setting up new vendor accounts, handling accounts payable.

  • Bookkeeping.

  • Authored an employee policy and training manual. 

  • Managed multiple social media accounts and campaigns. 

  • Created and managed/maintained multiple websites including online promotions and sales.

  • Sales associate

  • Barista/line-cook

  • Inventory management

  • Bike mechanic



Executive Director, 06/2015 to 2022 

The Warming House – Minneapolis, MN 

  • Organized, managed, and hosted 150+ ticketed events a year for emerging and professional musicians/songwriters. 

  • Organized, managed, and hosted 100+ free community events a year for beginning and emerging musicians/songwriters. 

  • Implemented contracted programming with Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District.

  • Promoted mission of organization via successful community outreach and marketing strategies. 

  • Spearheaded third-party contract negotiations to obtain favorable pricing and scheduling parameters. 

  • Supervised writing of all grant applications and checked information for accuracy prior to submission.

  • Implemented several grant-funded projects and provided comprehensive reports to grantors.

  • Managed $120,000 annual budget.

  • Recruited new members through attendance at community events, promotional materials, and other methods.

  • Worked closely with organizational leadership, including board of directors, to strategically affect direction of operations. 

  • Established Minneapolis Song School workshop series for songwriters of all ages and abilities. 

Singer Songwriter, 05/2002 to Current 

Self – Minneapolis, MN 

  • Written and performed over 200 original Americana/folk songs. 

  • Recorded 4 full-length records and 2 EPs. 

  • Performed 1500+ solo, duo, and full band shows across the country. 

  • Sang backing vocals and played backing instruments on numerous recordings and live shows. 

Private Music Instructor, 01/2009 to Current 

Self – Minneapolis, MN 

  • Instructed music learning for guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, voice, piano, songwriting, and performance. 

  • Provided private lessons for students ages 3-77. 

  • Worked closely with students and their families to provide individualized lesson plans for student success. 

  • Instructed small group lessons for ukulele and songwriting for all ages.

  • Facilitated songwriting retreats for professional songwriters. 

  • Mentored emerging songwriters in music business and performance. 

  • Created performance opportunities for students of all ages and abilities.


EDUCATION


Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education, Spanish minor 2002 graduate - Dean’s List

Warren Wilson College - Swannanoa, NC 


High School, 1998 graduate with honors

Academy of Holy Angels - Richfield, MN



SYSTEMS PROFICIENCIES


Google Suite

Canva - graphic design program

Photoshop

Zoom



OF NOTE


Willipa Bay Air Songwriter/Composer Fellow 2022

Board Director and Secretary for Folk Alliance Region Midwest 2017-2022

Folk Alliance Region Midwest workshop presenter and conference organizer 2017-2022

Ethno USA participant 2021

Cedar Commissions Artist 2019 

Nautilus Musical Theater Songwriting Grantee 2018