John Melby is most widely known for his numerous compositions for computer-synthesized sounds, particularly in combination with live acoustic instruments.
In addition to electronic music, Melby's catalog includes many acoustic chamber, vocal, and orchestral works.
Since 2010, he has focused almost exclusively on writing acoustic music for chamber ensembles and symphony orchestra.
He studied with Henry Weinberg, George Crumb, Peter Westergaard, J. K. Randall, and Milton Babbitt.
An all-Melby disc of three concerti was released on the Albany Records label in 2008.