STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Maggie Cole| Piano Student 

“Maggie has been in piano lessons for 4-5 years, and I’ve seen her grow into such a well-rounded musician! She loves jazzy songs, improvising, writing her own songs, and she has even been playing keys in her school rock band! She always has an enthusiastic attitude and takes my directions well, even when it’s challenging! I’m so proud of her progress and honored to get to teach her!” – Krystol Wade, Mentor

Marta Voice | Voice, Songwriting, OnStage Band Mentor

Teaching for 20+ years | Joined ROOTS in May 2022

“There is truly no one quite like Marta! She is a wonderful blend of pure creativity and amazing organization and a true joy to work with! Marta gives her students space to take risks, try new things, and ultimately find their voice. I’m thrilled to honor Marta this month!” – Emily Lindsey, Music Director

How did you come to be a mentor at ROOTS?

“I knew early on that my ideal post-college adult life would revolve around freelance music jobs and teaching. My goal was to maintain a flexible enough schedule that I could still perform, write, and record, but find a part time teaching job that would allow me to foster a passion for music in others. I had heard of ROOTS and wanted to apply upon graduating, but the pandemic threw all of my plans for a loop. Once I got vaccinated and started the job hunt again, ROOTS was immediately the first place I applied!”

Marta’s Teaching Philosophy: “Everyone has a unique voice that can perceive, paint, and express the world differently. My job as a voice teacher is to help every individual find that unique voice, and to help them maintain it in a healthy, fun, and natural way. I’m here to develop the voice into something that will tell all of life’s stories, big and small.”

Mini Tap | Mentored by: Kat Williams

Mentored by Kat Williams, this class is a fun upbeat class that teaches dancers musicality and rhythm through music. Tap also enhances a students ability to memorize with all of the intricate tap steps. Miss Kat does a wonderful job teaching this class and keeps it fun by incorporating a little musical theatre flare! -Saskia Harmon, Dance Director.

This class is offered, Monday’s 5:00-5:45pm. For more information about our 2022-23 dance class schedule click the button below!

Erin Smith

Erin Smith is a Nashville, TN based teacher and choreographer. She received her B.F.A. in Dance from Troy University in May 2020. During her years at Troy University she choreographed Mamma Mia!, Spelling Bee and had multiple works performed in Pietrasanta, Italy. Erin received the DEA “Best Choreography” award in 2021 and has continued to have students win national titles with her work. She has performed works by Dante Puleio, Kevin Stea, Caitlin Parish Barton, Kaitlin Morgan, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Allison Holker, Tyce Diorio, Blake McGrath, Dominique Palmer, Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold and Nicki Loud. Since graduation, Erin has been teaching and choreographing for Ensworth School, Roots Academy of Dance, Soles Dance Center and Voltage Academy of Dance. -Saskia Harmon, Dance Director.

Jessica Christian

Erin Smith is a Nashville, TN based teacher and choreographer. She received her B.F.A. in Dance from Troy University in May 2020. During her years at Troy University she choreographed Mamma Mia!, Spelling Bee and had multiple works performed in Pietrasanta, Italy. Erin received the DEA “Best Choreography” award in 2021 and has continued to have students win national titles with her work. She has performed works by Dante Puleio, Kevin Stea, Caitlin Parish Barton, Kaitlin Morgan, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Allison Holker, Tyce Diorio, Blake McGrath, Dominique Palmer, Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold and Nicki Loud. Since graduation, Erin has been teaching and choreographing for Ensworth School, Roots Academy of Dance, Soles Dance Center and Voltage Academy of Dance. -Saskia Harmon, Dance Director.