Will White

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about Will

Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Will White is a professional guitarist and mult-instrumentalist.

Born into a creatively fostering family, Will started his musical journey on piano at a young age and, after receiving his first guitar at age 9, he quickly developed a love for the instrument. Growing up immersed in the culture of Mississippi music and surrounded by his father’s extensive record collection, Will developed a passion and interest in American roots and blues music. By the time he was in high school he had become serious in his musical pursuits, performing in his high school’s jazz and show choir ensembles.

Moving to Auburn, Alabama in 2009, Will started as a freshman at Auburn University. While in college he was hired by his first professional touring band, and toured the Southeastern United States extensively for several years. Upon his graduation from Auburn in 2012, Will stayed in Auburn and began teaching guitar at Spicer’s Music while continuing to play with several regionally touring acts and artists including Mark True and Brett McDaniel. It was also during this time that he was selected to play in the Auburn Knights Orchestra, the longest continually operating big band jazz ensemble in the United States.

Finally amassing the courage to take the plunge into a larger market, Will finally made his way to Nashville in the summer of 2018, and has been working to continue developing his own voice as a guitarist since then. His Nashville journey has given him the oppurtunity to perform with many amazingly talented artists including Reid Haughton, Boo Ray, Jeff Woods, Trevor Clark, Chad Bishop, and Katie Burke.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that forming and refining a pathway between a player’s imagination and their instrument is the ultimate goal of any musical journey. Each student’s journey is different, and each student has to be guided into finding their own way of expressing themselves on their instrument. The goal of practice is to increase the potential vocabulary of that expression. There are no wrong answers and every student has their own voice. That’s the single most magical thing about music.

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“In terms of a single gig, opening for Drake White while playing with Reid Haughton, but there are so many smaller moments that are just as meaningful. Hearing your name thrown around town amongst groups of older and more experienced players that are further along in their careers is never something you forget. The first time an older player you admire refers to you as “good;” I can vividly remember each time that has happened. Those are the moments I remember most as a player. Those are the moments I live for.”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“Any student that works hard and ultimately wants to put himself outside of their comfort zone. If you can make yourself creatively vulnerable you can move forward as a player. Get past the fear and find the joy in that process and any student can learn to excel. That’s a core aspect of what I teach.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Music has been the singular driving force of my entire life since I was ten years old. It has in many ways saved my life on more than one occasion. To me a mentor is someone that can show a student that same musical identity that can become a meaningful lifelong pursuit.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up on rock and roll and blues music. That initial generation of American and British electric guitar players such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Leslie West, and Alvin Lee are what initially drew me to the instrument. Over time that morphed into my love of Delta Blues and ultimately my love of jazz. My tastes are continually evolving, as everyone’s tend to do.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“Dees, The Underdog, and the 5 Spot”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
“The guy that got to drive the garbage truck. That dude was my hero.”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“Bill Frisell”

Salty Treat: Jalapeño chips

Sweet Treat: Peanut butter filled pretzels

Fast Food Restaurant: Waffle House

Sit Down Restaurant: Waffle House

Coffee Drink: Black coffee

Movie/Show: Master and Commander

Place to Shop: eBay

Candle: Nag Champa

Musician/Band: John Prine

Travel Destination: American Southwest

Gift cards I love to receive: Chickfila, 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