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.

Lucas’ Teaching Philosophy: “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 wold 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