Alex Shames

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about Alex

Alex Shames has been studying drum set and percussion for 28 years, bass guitar for 24 years, six-string guitar for 20 years, and has worked as a professional musician and educator for 16 years. He has played, recorded, and toured nationally on drums and bass with acts such as Larysa Jaye, Jenny Teator, Meg Williams, Laney Jones (all Nashville), Spark Notes and Ship of Fools (Sarasota), Einaris (Tampa), and Emily Lehr (Morgantown), as well as with organizations like the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the Florida State University Jazz Orchestra.

Originally from a small town on the Jersey Shore, Alex spent his middle and high school years in Sarasota, Florida, graduating from the Out-of-Door Academy in 2009. He attended Florida State University (2009–2013), began teaching private drum and bass lessons during college, and earned a BA in Music: Jazz Studies (Percussion). After returning to Sarasota, he taught privately and with organizations like Let’s Rock Sarasota and Everyone Rocks Sarasota, leading rock band and ensemble programs. In 2018, he moved to Nashville to continue his dual path in performance and music education.

Alex specializes in jazz on drums but teaches all styles—from classic rock to Latin rhythms, metal, bluegrass, and country. On bass, his focus is rock, funk, and jazz, but he covers a wide range, including world music. On guitar, he specializes in all styles of rock, especially rhythm guitar. His teaching emphasizes technical skill, ear training, musicality, and live performance. He teaches all levels on drums and bass, and beginner to intermediate guitar, and is trained in music theory, jazz theory, improvisation, sight-singing, ear training, and audition preparation.

Teaching Philosophy

Every person is unique, therefore every student must be treated as an individual. I believe that there’s no such thing as a one method fits all kind of approach in regards to learning music. Some students learn better by ear, others by sight and reading music. Some students find the structures of music theory and technique incredibly useful, others find them creatively restrictive. Every student deserves to be given the time and attention necessary to determine what curriculum works best for them. I do believe that a balance of “practice versus play” is essential to long term continued success, especially for beginners. But at the end of the day, as my high school drum set teacher used to say, “it’s called PLAYING an instrument for a reason… it’s supposed to be fun!

What’s been the highlight of your professional career?

Playing drums for my extended family at Piano’s in NYC on my first tour was unforgettable — my most “famous” moment was either House of Blues Orlando, Hotel Cafe LA, or a packed St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?:

A student who is ready to have fun but be serious about learning and improving.

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?:

Being a mentor means guiding students toward their own strengths—not shaping them after mine, but helping them discover and grow what works best for them.

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?:

I grew up in a music-loving family near NYC, where everyone had their own favorite radio station and genre—from my dad’s doo-wop and old-time rock & roll, to my mom’s Beatles obsession and punk-era bands like Blondie and Talking Heads, to my siblings’ love for ’80s metal and ’90s alt rock. I studied jazz in college and fell in love with everything from swing to fusion, and I can sing show tunes like My Fair Lady by heart. Thanks to my family and where I grew up, I learned to love music in almost every

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what would you ask them?

 

It would be Neil Peart of Rush, and it would be what song did you have the most fun playing on? (He looked so serious behind the kit, I just want to know which was his personal favorite!)

What is your go-to karaoke song?

Zombie – The Cranberries

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
KINSEY OVERDEER – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

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