Douglas Waterbury-Tieman

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about Douglas

Douglas Waterbury-Tieman is a professional violinist/fiddler, actor, singer and writer. Douglas grew up in the heart of the Bluegrass in Lexington, KY, where he began playing violin/fiddle and performing at the age of 10. He continued his musical performance career through high school and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre performance at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

Performance Credits include: Off-Broadway;The Robber Bridegroom, Soot and Spit, SeaWife. Regional;Once, The Cotton Patch Gospel, Fiddler on the Roof. TV;Succession. He played fiddle for Clint Black’s musical Looking For Christmas and aboard the cruise ship The Disney Magic. He is a proud collaborative member of The Lobbyists, a band and theatre collective whose Off-Broadway production SeaWife was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Music and appeared in the 2019 National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival. Douglas’ original bluegrass musical JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX premiered at the Cumberland County Playhouse in 2022. The sell out run was honored with a Nashville First Night award for Best Original Work.

Douglas relocated to Tennessee after living in New York City for seven and a half years during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. He currently lives with his wife, Annabelle, 10 month old son, Oliver, and Goldendoodle, Dandy, in Franklin TN. Douglas is excited and proud to be a part of the Roots mentor team!

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that the key to successful music education begins by tapping into the individual passions and interests of the student. Building upon this initial seed through imaginative and diverse lesson planning my students can expect to grow into their full potential. Students are the most motivated when they are treated as active co-authors of their learning no matter what their age or level of expertise. My job as a mentor is to provide a supportive and positive environment that will ensure my students leave each lesson encouraged and motivated to make music!

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“My biggest spotlight moment was when I got to perform my original musical JOHNNY & the DEVIL’S BOX at the Cumberland Co. Playhouse in the fall of 2022. I wrote this bluegrass musical with the intention of getting to perform as a fiddler, actor and singer. When I stepped out on stage for the first time in the leading role it felt like a dream come true. The production ended up selling out and we even won an award for Best Original Production. The lesson I learned was that dreaming big pays off!”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“Students of all kinds can expect to excel with me as their mentor. But, especially those who love music and have dreams of making the violin/fiddle a part of their life for years to come.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a mentor means collaborating with and supporting my mentees through every step of their education. I am excited to step into this roll because I have had so many different kinds of mentors throughout my educational journey and I know what an incredible gift their teaching was to me. I feel honored to be able to continue this tradition of education with my own students.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to everything from Baroque music to Pop, from Bluegrass to Jazz. I know that listening this widely to all genres of music has made me a better artist. Even though I don’t play each of this styles regularly I am a lifelong lover of music and I know that it shows in the way I play the violin.”

Where is your favorite local spot? (Venue, restaurant, coffee shop, park, etc.)
“I love grabbing a coffee at Frothy Monkey and walking around Franklin with my family.”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“I would love to meet John Denver, I’d ask if I could play a song with him!”

Salty Treat: Chips and Salsa

Sweet Treat: Chocolate

Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

Sit Down Restaurant: Adele’s

Coffee Drink: COFFEE! All of it…

Movie/Show: Oh Brother Where Art Thou?

Place to Shop: The Violin Shop

Candle: Fraser Fir

Musician/Band: Anything with a Fiddle!

Travel Destination: The Beach!

Gift cards I love to receive: Chipotle, The Violin Shop, 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.

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