Hailing originially from Dallas, Texas, on landing in Knoxville, Tennessee, drummer Chad Melton began playing in symphonic bands at the age of 11.  Acquisition of his first drum set at the age of 15 

began a life of musical exploration and performing. Melton attended The University of Tennessee from 1998-2001, focusing in Jazz and Anthropology. He then pursued studies under the watchful eyes of percussion masters Jeff Sipe, and Pandit Charen Jit Chatur Lal. Melton began his professional career at the age of 17.  Since that time, music has taken him around the world.

Chad came on board the Jerry Douglas Band in June of 2008, his first gig coming on the stage of Colorado's venerable Telluride Bluegrass Festival.  Through musical endeavors with  Douglas,  Chad Melton has been blessed to play with artist such as Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks,Trisha Yearwood, Tony Rice, The Whites, Travis Tritt, and banjo innovator Earl Scruggs.

 When not touring with Douglas, Chad splits his time between Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee, where he  teaches and performs with Donald Brown , Jill Andrews and The Jason Day Trio.