Staff Spotlight: Ms. Melody Perrin - Music Teacher Extraordinaire

St. Francis School is blessed to have Ms. Melody Perrin as our vibrant and passionate music teacher. With a rich musical upbringing and a lifelong dedication to learning and teaching, Ms. Perrin brings joy, creativity, and faith into our music classroom.

Growing up in the Dutch town of Pella, Iowa, with five siblings and musical parents, Ms. Perrin developed a deep love for music early on. She began with the trumpet, guitar, autoharp, and piano, later mastering percussion, organ, ukulele, and accordion. Never one to stop learning, she is currently exploring the Davidic harp and dreams of one day playing the cello. 

Her educational journey has been just as diverse as her musical repertoire. She studied at Christ for the Nations Bible Institute, Oral Roberts University, and Appalachian State University, where she earned her degree in Music Therapy/Psychology. Adding to her impressive credentials, Ms. Perrin is certified in Neurologic Music Therapy through Colorado State University and is trained to lead teacher workshops in Time to Teach and Differentiated Instruction. She’s worked with schools, psychiatric facilities, substance abuse programs, brain injury patients, and even in hospice care, using her musical gifts to bring healing and hope.

At St. Francis School, Ms. Perrin employs diverse teaching techniques to engage students of all developmental stages and musical abilities. She introduces students to as many musical instruments as possible beginning in preschool. By third grade, students begin formal instruction on xylophones and ukeleles, progressing to recorders in fourth grade. Students can also receive private guitar and piano lessons after school beginning in third grade. Activities such as singing trivia, memory songs/strategies, singing name recognition, and group singing competitions are utilized to make learning fun and engaging. 

Beyond technical skills, Ms. Perrin uses the elements of music to reach non-musical life goals. Impulse control, motivation, positive mindset, and social graces are important behaviors that are encouraged while learning music and can be applied beyond the music classroom.  

Most importantly, Ms. Perrin uses music as a tool for students to grow in their faith. Her desire is for her students know God, have a personal relationship with Him, and to minister to others using music. Her theme this year, “Promises of God,” encourages students to explore the stories, scriptures, and messages behind hymns and spiritual songs. 

Ms. Perrin’s innovative and faith-driven approach makes music a transformative experience for her students. Her enthusiasm and dedication ensure that every child at St. Francis School feels the joy and power of music in their lives. Thank you, Ms. Perrin, for sharing your talents with our school community. We are truly blessed to have you!