Nigel Croston

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about Nigel

Nigel Croston is a professional drummer, percussionist, and educator based in Nashville, TN. With over 24 years of experience in both performing and recording settings, as well as almost 10 years of experience as a public school band director, Nigel brings a unique musical background and a dynamic playing style to every situation.

Originally from Rochester, NY, Nigel was influenced early on by bands like New Found Glory, Blink-182, and Paramore, developing a strong foundation in rock and pop-punk, while also participating in the school band program, developing his classical playing. Fueled by his love for classical percussion, Nigel also began his exploration into jazz at the age of 18, which remained the primary focus of his drum set studies while attending both Monroe Community College and Ithaca College, respectively, studying with Professor Aaron Staebell (Professor of Drum Set, Ithaca College) and Professor Greg Evans (Director of Jazz Studies, Binghamton University). Despite drum set being the focus, Nigel’s classical playing also remained a priority, studying during this time with Dr. Matthew Witten (DMA, The Eastman School of Music) and Professor Gordon Stout (PAS Hall of Fame inductee, 2012). Nigel graduated from Ithaca College in 2017 with a BM in Music Education, receiving the Flora Brown Talent Scholarship and serving as the section leader for both the Jazz Ensemble and the Symphonic Orchestra during his time there. Upon graduating from Ithaca College, Nigel spent nine years as a public school band director, where he led various ensembles and taught private and small group lessons to all students in his ensembles, including woodwind and brass students.

Over the course of these nine years, Nigel continued to perform in a variety of settings, including playing with rock/funk/soul bands, jazz groups, pit orchestras, wedding bands, as well as the drummer in several studio sessions. In 2021, he began his master’s work at Boston University while performing and teaching full-time, culminating with the completion of his MM in Music Education in 2023. Despite a love for music education, Nigel ultimately found that being tied to the musical curriculum of public schools was not always conducive to a strong music education for every student, and made the difficult decision to step away from public school teaching.

In August of 2024, Nigel moved to Nashville, TN, where he currently resides as a performer, studio musician, and educator. With a student-interest-centric approach to education and a strong background in multiple genres, Nigel is thrilled to be a part of the Roots Academy team and contribute to the education of the next generation of musicians here in Nashville!

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy stems from that of the social element. I believe that at our core as human beings, we crave connection with others above all else, and I believe music is a powerful vehicle for that. A strong sense of togetherness, belonging, and community is the greatest thing music has ever given me, and I seek to reciprocate that with my students!

What’s been the highlight of your professional career?
Over the years I have opened for bands like All Time Low, Bayside, and Foxy Shazam, and those were very cool moments, but to this day my greatest performing experience has been performing at Carnegie Hall back in college. It was unbelievably moving and humbling experience to perform in a venue like that.

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?:

I like to think that any student will find that they are their best with me! I myself am very energetic and upbeat (students in the past have told me maybe cut back on the coffee a bit). I would say anyone who is excited and motivated about becoming better at their instrument (or learning it for the first time) would be successful with me.

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?:

Being a mentor to me means serving as more of a musical guide. While it implies the role of a teacher, the term “teacher” almost feels too formal. One of the reasons I am so excited to be a part of the Roots team, is to have the freedom to tap into what students are interested in-not what a state curriculum tells me I have to teach.
I believe practice is the key to success in music, and they key to practice is motivation. There’s no better way to stay motivated than you’re mentor showing you musical concepts with the music that you already know and like!

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?:

In my house growing up, there was always music playing. My parents played a lot of reggae and soft rock music. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jack Johnson, early John Mayer…stuff like that. On my own as I got older I became very big into pop rock music such as Blink-182, Paramore, and New Found Glory. These were formative years as I developed a lot of my power and chops as a player that I still count on today. Shortly after however, I also fell in love with jazz, which taught me about more about touch, dynamics, and musicality that have made me into the player I am today!

Where is your favorite local spot? 

Bourbon St Boogie

What is your go-to Karaoke song?

I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston

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