About2024-10-01T11:48:34-05:00

About Us

ROOTS Academy is a music lesson & dance studio that passionately believes in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of the community and the world.

What We Offer

  • Private in-studio30, 45, and 60-minute per week music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, cello, ukulele, bass, songwriting and more

  • Private at-home 30, 45, and 60-minute per week music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, cello, ukulele, bass, songwriting and more. Currently serving Franklin & Brentwood.

  • Music performance opportunities through quarterly showcases in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

  • Recreational, performance and competitive dance classes for students starting at age 18 months through 18+

  • Annual end-of-the-season dance recital in May/June

  • Immersive musical theatre classes with a focus on jazz technique, musical theatre styling, and storytelling

  • Summer camps offered for both music and dance programs

Our Values

Our mission is to train and develop musicians and dancers through leadership that inspires, serves and challenges everyone to give their best.

We believe passionately in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of our community and the world.

We are so confident that you’ll love your experience at ROOTS that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (4 classes or lessons), or your money back.

What Our Parents Say…

Our dancer wanted to grow and longed to be immensely challenged! We found that with this studio, and found mentors who saw her for who she was, loved and nurtured her talent, and cultivated her technique and helped her strengthen her skills in a safe environment. Do you know what else we found? We found a family too!

AMY JO ARNOLD

All three of my kids ranging in age from 7-15 have participated in music lessons and dance classes. Not only has the programming been excellent, but the staff at ROOTS are the friendliest people we’ve ever worked with! There really is a joy in the building every time you walk through the door.

MELANIE RITZ

At ROOTS, there is just as much emphasis on growing caring, responsible kids with integrity as there is on growing amazing students. ROOTS has it all…great leadership, mentors, office staff and students! We have been to several other studios and nowhere compares to ROOTS!

ELLIE DOWLING

recognized by…

Meet our Team

Leadership Team

KYLE CHOWNING
KYLE CHOWNINGOwner/President
KRISTY CHOWNING
KRISTY CHOWNINGCo-Owner
LINDSEY TODD
LINDSEY TODDHead of People & Culture
JUSTIN BARBOUR
JUSTIN BARBOURChief Financial Officer

Dance Admin Team

SASKIA HARMON
SASKIA HARMONDance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
JESSICA STILLMANDance Company Manager
JEN BURNS
JEN BURNSDance Operations Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
MELISSA BULLINGTONPreschool Program Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
KATHLEEN MCPHERSONDance Operations Coordinator
LIZA TER KUILE
LIZA TER KUILEFirst Impressions Team

Music Admin Team

EMILY LINDSEY
EMILY LINDSEYMusic Director
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARDMusic Operations Coordinator
JOSH ASHLEY
JOSH ASHLEYMusic Operations Manager
LORI KAIRDOLF
LORI KAIRDOLFMusic Scheduling + Billing Coordinator
DENNIS PALMER
DENNIS PALMERTechnical Coordinator
MARTA PALOMBO
MARTA PALOMBOFirst Impressions Coordinator
MYA RAY
MYA RAYFirst Impressions Coordinator

Operations Team

JULIE KAUFFMAN
JULIE KAUFFMANStudio Manager
RENEE COLLIE
RENEE COLLIEMarketing Manager
HEATHER RODGERS
HEATHER RODGERSCreative Manager
SEANNA WHITTAKER
SEANNA WHITTAKERMarketing Coordinator
TINA CHOWNING
TINA CHOWNINGBookkeeper

Tour Our Studio

Located in the heart of Cool Springs, the ROOTS Academy Campus consists of our Main and Annex buildings totaling 16,500 square feet. Onsite, we have 14 music studios, 6 dance studios with sprung floors, 1 band studio, 4 lobby areas with workspaces and sitting areas, 80+ parking spaces, vending machine and screaming fast Wi-Fi.

News & Updates

  • ROOTS Academy Holiday BundleGraphic

    Announcing: Our Holiday Bundle!

    The season of giving is here, and we’re excited to introduce the exclusive ROOTS Academy Holiday Bundle to make it easier than ever to give the gift of music and dance at ROOTS Academy during December.

    Packed with value and charm, this bundle inspires creativity while […]

  • ROOTS Academy Black Friday BOGO Deal!Graphic

    ★ Announcing: Black Friday Merch BOGO Deal!

    Black Friday is here, and we’ve got an unbeatable deal just for you! This weekend only, when you buy a NEW black ROOTS shirt (adult […]

  • ROOTS Academy Summer 2024 RecapGraphic

    Summer 2024 was an incredible 10 weeks of fun, friendship, and performances at ROOTS Academy!

    Over 800 students participated in 36 music and dance camps from Hip Hop, Princess Camps, Rock Band Week, Taylor Swift Voice Camps, Songwriting, Band Intensives, Dance Intensives and so many more! It was a summer […]

  • ROOTS Academy Launches Free Music Lessons for New Students July 29-August 3Graphic

    Calling all aspiring musicians ages 6 – adults!

    ROOTS Academy is thrilled to announce our Music Free Trial Week July 29 –  August 3, 2024, a special opportunity for new students to experience the magic of music with a complimentary 30-minute lesson from one of our professional mentors.

    Register today to […]

  • ROOTS Academy 12th Annual Dance Recital “The Journey”Graphic

    ROOTS Academy hosted its 12th Annual Dance Recital themed “The Journey: Trust it. Enjoy it. Embrace it.” at Belmont University Fischer Center on May 11-12, 2024. Over 680 dancers performed for 4,200+ attendees, showcasing hard work and talent. We are excited for the 2024-25 season!

  • Celebrating a Milestone: We Clinched First Place in the 2024 FranklinIs Sizzle AwardsGraphic

    ROOTS Academy celebrates winning the Best Youth Arts/Music Program at the 2024 FranklinIs Sizzle Awards, marking a milestone in our commitment to nurturing young artists. Learn about our growth, community support, and the exciting launch of ROOTS at Home.

Our Promise to You

We are so confident that you’re going to love your experience at ROOTS that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (4 classes or lessons), or your money back.*

Our History

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose which instrument is right for me?2023-02-27T21:12:39-06:00

We know making that first step in choosing your instrument is a tough one. Don’t let that stop you! We are committed to helping your student find the right fit. If you’re unhappy with your mentor or instrument, you can simply let us know and we’ll try a different option. We offer a one-time free trial lesson for all new students to try out your instrument of choice to ensure it’s a good fit. We’re committed to partnering with you to find the absolute best fit instrument and mentor!

How do I choose which music mentor is right for me?2023-02-27T21:16:14-06:00

Every lesson and class is led by instructors that we purposely call “mentors.” We take the responsibility of training the next generation seriously. Each of our mentors is not only thoroughly background checked, trained, and empowered to develop the student’s gifts and talents, but also to build trusted and reliable connections. We believe that if the students trust the environment and mentor, they will thrive and grow faster. You can meet our Music Mentors here!

Can I change my instrument or my mentor?2023-02-27T21:17:13-06:00

Absolutely. Making an instrument or mentor change is easy. Simply contact our office at (615) 804-1177 or music@rootsacademy.com and let them know what you’d like to do. They’ll be happy to talk you through your options.

If I miss a music lesson, can I make it up?2024-01-11T15:51:14-06:00

Absolutely! As long as we hear from you at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson, you will receive a once-monthly make-up for your missed lessons.

Make-ups are not permitted for no-shows or multiple missed lessons per month.

How do I stop my music lessons?2023-06-28T17:41:48-05:00

We offer hassle-free withdrawals and/or temporary lesson holds. The only requirement is to submit your request to withdraw at least 30 days prior to the next billing cycle. Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing using this form. Withdrawals will be processed within three business days.

How do I know which class is right for me?2023-10-19T15:53:24-05:00

The first step to determining the appropriate class for your dancer is to find the appropriate age division.

  • Toddler (ages 2.5 – 3)
  • Preschool (ages 3-4)
  • Peewee (5-6)
  • Mini (ages 7-8)
  • Junior (ages 9-11)
  • Teen (ages 12-14)
  • Senior (ages 15-18)

Toddler, Preschool, and Peewee dancers must be the proper age by August 15th for their group.

Older students (ages 6+) must be the proper age by January 1st of the following year

Once you know which group is best, you can view the classes available. We have two types of classes – open and placement. Open classes require no dance experience. Placement classes are more advanced for dancers with previous experience. For placement classes, the ROOTS dance staff would love to set up an evaluation in a class with your dancer.

What if the class I want to enroll in is full and waitlisted?2023-10-19T15:55:35-05:00

If the class you’re interested in is already full, please sign up for the waitlist. This ensures you’ll be alerted if a spot opens up. If a space becomes available, we’ll reach out to confirm your interest. Only once a spot is secured for you will you be charged for tuition.

Are there any dance class options besides normal classes during the week?2023-02-01T14:28:32-06:00

Yes! We will host Master Classes and Workshops to give our dancers and dancers in the community opportunities to come in and learn from the best. You can find out more about ROOTS Dance Master Classes and Workshops here.

How do I claim the 30-day money back guarantee?2019-06-07T13:59:50-05:00

The money-back guarantee is based on the following requirements:

  • The student is required to attend four consecutive weeks of lessons/classes
  • Parent/student must notify the front office regarding their dissatisfaction by the third week, giving us an opportunity to improve your learning experience.
  • Refunds will be paid by check and delivered within 10-14 business days.
Is participation in the dance recital required?2023-02-27T21:05:40-06:00

Recital participation is not required, however, it is strongly recommended. We expect that all ROOTS dancers are performing in the Recital unless we hear otherwise. If you are unable to perform, please email us as soon as possible at dance@rootsacademy.com

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