Susana Jimenez

11 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

VoiceIntermediate
PianoIntermediate
GuitarIntermediate
Music ProductionBeginner
SongwritingBeginner

GENRES

ClassicalPopRock

LANGUAGES

EnglishSpanish

Mentor Mission Statement

My mission is to help students discover and grow their passion for music through empathy, creativity, and personalized lessons—so they feel confident, inspired, and free to express who they are through music.

about Susana

For Susana Jimenez, music has always felt instinctive. She began singing before she could talk, drawn to the emotional power of music long before she had words to describe it. Although her parents weren’t musicians, they recognized her passion early and enrolled her in lessons, giving her the support and freedom to explore. Music quickly became the place where she felt most herself.

Susana began formal lessons at age four, studying piano and singing in choirs while also exploring guitar and percussion. That early exposure sparked a lifelong curiosity — not just to play music, but to understand and create it. Although she always dreamed of pursuing music professionally, her path took a brief detour when she studied international business in Colombia. After stepping back onstage following several years away from performing, she realized music was still her true calling. In 2020, she moved to the United States to pursue it fully.

Early in her vocal journey, Susana experienced a vocal injury caused by improper technique. Through vocal therapy and coaching, she developed a deeper understanding of healthy singing—knowledge that now shapes her teaching. When performance opportunities slowed after her move, she focused on songwriting and self-producing her first project, gaining valuable experience in the creative process.

At ROOTS Academy, Susana creates lessons that are structured, supportive, and creative. She encourages curiosity and confidence while helping students build strong musical foundations.

Outside of ROOTS, Susana writes and performs original music and continues expanding her training in music therapy.

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!”

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 – Systems & Strategy Manager
Marta Palombo – Music Operations Coordinator
Kinsey Overdeer – Scheduling Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator