Brooke Sanders

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about Brooke

Brooke Sanders is a Nashville native and experienced piano player, singer, and songwriter.

A recent graduate of Berklee College of Music‘s acclaimed songwriting program, Brooke is well-versed in many styles of music including musical theater, country, pop, rock, classical, and more.

With 15+ years of piano experience, Brooke has been trained in both classical and contemporary styles of music and has earned honors from the Grammy Museum and Berklee College of Music.

Brooke is also an experienced vocal coach and music director in the theater realm, having received honors from Boston University, the Nashville Spotlight Awards, and the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta for her work as a music director.

In addition to being a piano player, singer, and songwriter, Brooke has experience in production, conducting, arranging, and acting. Brooke’s favorite part of making music is the ability music has to communicate stories. Ultimately, Brooke hopes to instill in her students a deep love for music and an understanding of just how much fun music can be.

Teaching Philosophy

“My ultimate goal as a teacher is to instill in my students a deep love and appreciation for music. I seek to teach students to be more than just good players or vocalists but to be well-rounded musicians. I believe learning skills in music are wonderful gateways to grow as communicators, artists, and storytellers. I believe in meeting students where they’re at and helping them learn at a pace they’re comfortable with. I also believe in open communication with parents and students!”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“The highlight of my professional career was conducting the Curtain Up contest at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston. Curtain Up is a contest for original musical theater songs where the winners of the contest are performed in a concert. I was chosen to be one of the conductors for this concert in April 2024 and it was such an amazing experience to conduct the orchestra for this concert.”

What type of student will excel the most under your mentorship?
“I work best with students who are hands on learners and enjoy diving in and trying new things. My style mixes well with students who are curious about learning all aspects of music. I’m a goal oriented person and tend to work well with students who are similar.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“To me, being a “mentor” means more than just showing up to teach a few skills;it means building a relationship with the student and catering to what they’re interested in. I love making connections with new people and I’m excited about getting to meet all the new students, parents, and fellow mentors.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to a wide variety of genres from different decades of music. I especially resonated with rock music and artists such as The Goo Goo Dolls, Fall Out Boy, U2, etc. I also grew up surrounded by musical theater and was an actor for most of my childhood/ high school years. My mom was also a music director at a church so I grew up playing and singing in church and my high school’s praise band. CCM and gospel music was a huge part of my upbringing. This wide variety of genres gave me an appreciation for lots of styles of music and a large musical vocabulary to pull from in my own music. Ultimately, I appreciate great lyrics in any style and I think those can be found in all genres.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“I enjoy walking around Percy Priest Lake. I love nature and parks of all kind!”

Salty Treat: Pretzels
Sweet Treat: Ice cream
Fast Food Restaurant: Chick Fil A or Panera
Sit Down Restaurant: Carrabba’s
Coffee Drink: Iced vanilla latte
Movie/Show: New Girl or Pitch Perfect
Place to Shop: H&M or Guitar Center
Candle: Woodwick
Musician/Band: The Lumineers
Travel Destination: Disney World or NYC

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.

Beyond the Notes: Our Teaching Philosophy

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