Susana Jimenez

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about Susana

Susana is an independent artist from Medellin, Colombia who found herself in Nashville thanks to her love for music. Her music education started at the age of 4 at “Colegio de Musica de Medellin”, where she took lessons for over a decade and got to, not only be classically trained in piano and work on perfecting and implementing a healthy vocal technique but also to be in a band setting which led her to teach herself guitar and ukulele among other instruments.

At the age of 16 she took over her schools music program where she worked with several groups of students of different ages on instrumentation, band arrangement, and eventually led them to perform and even compete at other local schools. A few years later she had the opportunity to travel around Colombia and perform at different auditoriums with other local musicians, all due to the positive response from a show she played at her College campus.

In 2019 Susana decided to move to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, where she lived for two years and where she got her formal music education at Musicians Institute, as well as performed under her first independent Artist project “Susa”. From this project she had a couple of songs that were featured on an independently produced web-show in Brazil and an independent movie in Denmark. Throughout this period, Susana continued to share her passion for music by providing private and group lessons, an experience that allowed her to explore the profound impact of music education and solidify her love for teaching. Currently, you can find Susana writing, recording and playing original music around town under her project Physical Touch as well as sharing her passion for music with Nashville’s next generation of musicians.

Susana’s Teaching Philosophy: “Music is healing, helpful and fun! My priority as a mentor is to help my students find that passion for music, no matter where it comes from, and turn it into a positive resource.”

Teaching Philosophy

Music is healing, helpful and fun! My priority as a mentor is to help my students find that passion for music, no matter where it comes from, and turn it into a positive resource.

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“I would have to say my first time being licensed for a show. When I first started making music I remember thinking how my end goal wouldn’t be playing for a sold out arena but have my music inspire so much emotion that it ends up recreating that emotion on that person who listens, and I think that’s the purpose of a soundtrack, to convey a specific emotion on the viewer.”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“Students who are willing to go with the flow of the lesson, be open minded and speak up about their expectations and their experience”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“I think as adults sometimes we forget what it was like to be a child and how differently our minds worked at that age. Working with children or anyone learning something new takes for you to get to know them and understand them as an individual so you both can get the best results. I love teaching and sharing my love for music and I’m just excited to see my students grow and for me to learn back from them.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“Growing up in Colombia, I didn’t have a lot of access to a lot of the classics that people around me now grew up with. I was around a lot of latin genres, Spanish rock, as well as classical. I think now listening to more indie artists and bands with a more alternative sound, I have a grasp of how different rhythms or concepts can be incorporated into more modern trends and I’m grateful to have had that opportunity.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“I’ve seen a lot of great live shows at the Exit In, but I absolutely love Game Terminal!”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“Believe it or not, I wanted to be a musician or a music teacher! and I get to live the dream now!”

Salty Treat: Chili & Lime rolled tortilla chips from Trader Joes or Lime tortilla chips w/ salsa

Sweet Treat: Sour gummies

Fast Food Restaurant: Starbucks

Sit Down Restaurant: O-ku or any sushi place

Coffee Drink: Chai latte with oat milk

Movie/Show: Brooklyn 99 / Spongebob The movie (2004)

Place to Shop: Any vintage/antique shop or thrift store

Candle: Lavender, rose, or anything citrusy

Musician/Band: Currently, my favorite bands are Men I Trust and Big Thief

Travel Destination: Right now, I’d like to travel back home (Medellin, Colombia)

Gift cards I like to receive: Starbucks, Sweetwater, 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