about Lucas

Lucas Pettee is a keyboardist, vocalist, arranger, and musical director based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music, Piano, with an emphasis in composition and arranging. Currently, he is working as a touring musician, a session player/singer, and producer.

Lucas Pettee was born in the suburban town of Santa Clarita outside of Los Angeles. Growing up, his music career began by playing guitar, singing at his local church, and participating in his school choir.

It wasn’t until his teenage years that Lucas discovered soul music and the piano, which led to a lifelong love of gospel, R&B, and soul. His vocals and piano playing reveal the clear influence of the classics, such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Ray Charles, to name a few.

In 2021, Lucas decided to pursue his music career by choosing to study at Belmont University with a major in Commercial Music. After moving to Nashville, he quickly started to get connected with the many talented musicians in town. He has had the opportunity to perform background vocals for Carrie Underwood, work and tour as the musical director for country artist Tae Lewis, play in numerous bands with styles ranging from Afro beat, to funk, pop, punk, jazz, blues, country, folk, and gospel (his favorite), and work as a session vocalist and keyboardist for a diverse amalgamation of artists and projects.

He makes it his mission to bring a warm, inviting, and authentic sound to his listeners’ ears and is excited for his future as an all-around musician and teacher.

“My teaching philosophy centers around having fun with music. Of course, I desire to push my students to the utmost excellency, but I greatly value the importance of fun. My goal is to get students in a state where they can truly enjoy what they are learning and I love getting to experience that with them. The more freely one can play their instrument, the more freely one can express oneself creatively and share their joy with the people around them. I teach students to value this joy and connection with others while building them into the musicians they want to be.”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“So far, I’ve been able to sing background vocals for Carrie Underwood, and was selected to sing a duet at Belmont’s Annual President’s concert, but I have most cherished my moments playing keyboards for various artists around the country.”

What type of student will excel under your mentorship?
“I welcome anyone wanting to learn the slightest about music!”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“I am thrilled to step into this role because I get to help others experience one of the greatest gifts we have in this life: music! I have been blessed to have had so many wonderful people teach me, and I love being able to give back to others.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“Honestly, I grew up listening to a lot of contemporary Christian music, which I still love, but as I got older, I fell in love with gospel, blues, and soul music. I would say I tend to lean toward that vein of music, but I genuinely love so many different genres from all over the world!”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“I love Shelby Bottoms Park, which is my favorite place to run, but as an avid coffee drinker I also frequent Crema Coffee Roasters in Franklin.”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what would you ask them?
“If I could, I would love to meet Stevie Wonder and I would bombard him with all kinds of questions about harmony and keyboards.”

Salty Treat: Barbecue Chips

Sweet Treat: I love a good cookie.

Fast Food Restaurant: Cava

Sit Down Restaurant: Deg Thai

Coffee Drink: Black Coffee or Espresso

Movie/Show: Psych

Place to Shop: Goodwill!

Candle: Forest

Musician/Band: Red Hands / Sam Fribush

Travel Destination: Portugal or Ventura, California

Gift Cards I love to Receive: Starbucks + Amazon

 

meet our
other music mentors
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Teaching isn't just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students' lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below. 

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Our approach to music education goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your musical talent, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the notes on a staff.

Our music mentors are passionate about nurturing your artistic abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that music is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of music. Whether you're mastering the piano or perfecting your vocals, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning an instrument or refining your singing takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend music and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through music by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you hit those high notes or conquer a complex piece, you'll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a musical journey with ROOTS, you're not just gaining proficiency in your chosen instrument. You're also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it's not just about the music lessons. It's about the profound impact our music mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the music industry. They're not just teachers; they're performers, composers, and artists who live and breathe music. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the lessons.

In the heart of Music City's vibrant music scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as musicians and educators. While their occasional commitments on the road or in the studio may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any lesson changes. In the rare event of an unmissable touring opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. We’re here to help you Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm CST.

EMILY LINDSEY – Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY – Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD – Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator

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