STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Maddox Holt | Piano + Songwriting, Band Member 

Age 11 | ROOTS Student since 2020

“There is so much about Maddox that makes him fun to work with on a weekly basis. He is smart, funny, energetic, and musically talented on so many different levels. My favorite attribute about Maddox is his attitude. He’s constantly positive when he comes into his rehearsals, and he is never afraid to take on a new musical challenge. Everyone is our band loves being around him, and he is never afraid to ask questions in order to improve each and every week. I am so proud of how far he has come!” – Kevin, Band Mentor

“I love how Maddox dives in headfirst with songwriting. It was an uphill climb for a little bit because he wasn’t sure how to navigate finding his own voice and his own inspiration, but something clicked this past month and now he comes in every week with new ideas and is so vocal and clear-minded on just what he wants to do. That’s why I thought he’d be the perfect fit for this award — he worked really hard to unlock who he is as a songwriter, and now that we’re there I’m so excited to see how much his style will grow!” Marta, Songwriting Mentor

“There are so many good things I could say about Maddox.  Ever since our first lessons together he has exhibited such contagious energy, excitement, curiosity, intuition, and humor.  Hanging with him is seriously such a blast!  He always comes into his piano lessons well practiced (hard worker), and ready with thoughtful questions and ideas surrounding what he wants to tackle next.  He’s as funny as he is creative, which basically means I end up laughing a lot each week while trying to feed the creative beast haha.  All in all, when I heard he was being named student of the month, my first and lasting thought was:  “It just makes too much sense!”  Congratulations, Maddox!  You deserve it and then some!” – Mike, Piano Mentor

1. What is your favorite part about coming to ROOTS each week?

Seeing my friends and my mentors‼️ Also playing music!! 

2. What inspires you to keep practicing and growing as a musician?

My Dad. 

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

A video game developer

4. How does it feel to be the ROOTS Music Student of the Month?

Humbled. I’m not sure why they chose me when there are so many deserving students at ROOTS! 

Victoria Taylor: Voice | Piano Mentor 

Teaching for 20+ years | Joined ROOTS in May 2022

“Victoria truly epitomizes a Mentor in so many ways. She creates safe spaces for her students to feel seen and known. The growth that I’ve seen in students with her leadership is inspiring, and I am thrilled to honor her as our October Mentor of the Month!” – Emily, Music Director 

Why do you love teaching and mentoring?

“I love seeing self confidence grow! I also enjoy reaching goals individually and seeing my students perform.”

Victoria’s Teaching Philosophy: “Do your best then rest! Work hard then play! Enjoy learning! It’s a process.”

Preschool Hip Hop and Acro

Mentored by: Natalie Burns, Emi Burns, Mandy Callahan, Sabrina Nguyen

This class is high energy and features fun hip hop dancing as well as basic acro skills. This is a great stand alone class or makes the perfect add on class for a preschooler who is already enrolled in ballet and tap class. This class is available to boys and girls ages 3-4 years.

Chris Burns

Once a student, turned into an assistant that then turned into a dance mentor – Chris Burns knows what it takes to be successful. He leads by example and has a lot of passion for the art of dance and theatre and traing the generation that will follow him. Chris is currently studying the arts at Columbia State and has just landed two lead roles in productions at Act Too in Cinderella and Rent!