About2025-02-04T16:49:07-06:00

About Us

ROOTS Academy’s mission is to equip the next generation of performers with the skills, mindset and confidence to thrive on any stage

Saskia Harmon - Director

kyle chowning

President & Owner

Welcome

Thanks for stopping by! My wife, Kristy, and I founded ROOTS Academy in 2012 with a simple idea—create a place where students of all ages can learn and grow in a safe, creative, and inspiring environment. Today, we are a vibrant community of over 1,400 growth-minded creatives pursuing our passions in music, dance, and theatre.

At ROOTS, everything we do is guided by The ROOTS Way, built on three core values:
✅ Mindset Matters – Growth begins with the right mindset.
✅ Excellence Matters – We strive for our best in everything we do.
✅ People Matter – Every student, family, and instructor is valued.

If you’re wondering whether ROOTS Academy is the right fit for you, we invite you to come in and experience it for yourself. We offer free trial music lessons and dance classes, so you can explore and find what inspires you.

I hope to see you in the studio soon!

-Kyle

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email info@rootsacademy.com or call/text us at (615) 804-1177.

what we offer

  • Music Lessons available for ages 5 to adult in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, cello, ukulele, bass and more – in studio or your home.

  • OnStage Program including bands, courses and ensemble groups for beginner to advanced level musicians.

  • Dance Classes available for ages 18 months through 18 years and include styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and more.

  • Competitive Dance Program is designed for dedicated dancers looking to take their skills to the next level. This program focuses on advanced technique, performance excellence, and participation in competitions.

  • Musical Theatre program unites dance, voice, and acting training for aspiring performers of all skill levels

  • Recitals are offered throughout the year, including the annual Dance recital, the semi-annual OnStage Band Show and the quarterly RMA Fests, providing students with opportunities to perform for live audiences and celebrate their progress.

  • Summer Camps are available in music, dance, musical theatre, and preschool programs in a fun, creative environment.

our promise

We are so confident that you’ll love your experience at ROOTS that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (4 classes or lessons), or your money back.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to train & develop musicians and dancers through leadership that inspires, serves and challenges everyone to give their best. We believe passionately in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of the community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence comes when defining & preparing for success is matched with discipline & passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.

Meet our teamGraphic

Meet the dedicated team who guide ROOTS Academy’s mission to inspire, serve, and develop artists through music, dance and theatre education.

Meet our team

Meet the dedicated team who guide ROOTS Academy’s mission to inspire, serve, and develop artists through music, dance and theatre education.

Leadership Team

Dance team

Music team

Marketing team

Operations team

Our History

August 2012
Kyle & Kristy Chowning purchased the business, thanks to the generosity of our investors, Warren & Evelyn Hall.
January 2013
Name was changed from School of Worship to ROOTS Academy Launched ROOTS Dance
June 2013
Launched our first season of Summer music & dance camps
February 2015
Launched a new location in Thompson Station (closed in January 2016)
August 2016
Due to our growth, we leased a building just a quarter mile from our original location and opened Studio B, adding a second dance studio to our space.
July 2017
The owners purchased and began renovations on 320 Southgate Court in Brentwood, TN—the new, permanent home for ROOTS Academy. This 11,000-square-foot building enabled us to expand to three dance studios, 13 music studios, and add much-needed office space for our growing administrative team.
October 2017
ROOTS Dance took the stage for our first dance competition.
October 2017
We moved out of our original location at 216 Seaboard and our second location (Studio B) into one completely renovated studio space at 320 Southgate Court.
May 2019
Acquired the 5,500-square-foot building next to our current location, expanding our total capacity to 16,500 square feet. This expansion includes five dance studios, 13 music studios, and a dedicated band studio.
November 2019
We opened The Annex, adding 2,700 square feet of sprung-floor dance studio space and a 600-square-foot band studio for our growing Band program. The Annex features two lobby areas with comfortable seating, The Homework Table for students to work between classes, and, of course, screaming fast Wi-Fi.
March 2020
The global pandemic hit, and due to local stay-at-home orders, we pivoted to offer our entire music and dance programs virtually.
May 2020
The show must go on! With lessons and classes hosted virtually since the March shutdown, the ROOTS team pivoted once more to create and stream our first (and hopefully last) virtual music and dance recitals. Not even a pandemic could keep us from getting “on stage.”
June 2020
After being closed to the public since March 14th due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we re-opened the studio to the public.
January 2022
For the first time in ROOTS history, we passed 1,000 actively enrolled students in our music and dance programs.
July 2022
ROOTS Dance Academy made its mark at its first-ever Dance Nationals Competition, earning recognition for its achievements by winning multiple National Championships.
August 2022
ROOTS Celebrates 10 Years
January 2024
Launched ROOTS at Home, providing music lessons at home for customers living in Franklin & Brentwood
February 2024
Initiated a feasibility study to construct a building between our existing buildings, uniting them into one large ROOTS facility.
August 2024
Launched the Musical Theatre program with Matilda Jr. as our first performance (Nov 2024)

cool springs • brentwood • franklin

ROOTS campus

Located in the heart of Cool Springs, the ROOTS Academy Campus spans 18,400 square feet across three facilities: the Main Building, the Annex, and Studio M.

Our Brentwood, TN campus includes 15 music lesson studios, 7 dance studios with professional sprung floors, and a fully equipped band studio. Parents can enjoy four welcoming lobby areas with comfortable workspaces and seating, designed for both relaxation and productivity. The campus also offers 95 parking spaces and filtered water stations for added convenience.

TRUSTED BY…

testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some of our families have to say about their ROOTS experience.

5 Over 76 Reviews
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Kelly Mayes
Can’t say enough about this incredible company.
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Sonja Peterson
We love this place!! Everyone is so positive and encouraging.
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Sarah Lee Andrews
We LOVE roots , my daughter has been dancing there for 3 years and she has grown so much on company ..... you can tell the owners put their heart and soul into roots and we feel home every time we walk through the doors ❤️
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Brent Moseng
I can not say enough great things about this place. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. You can tell they care about the kids and about how they progress in developing musical skills. My son has taken guitar lessons from Matt for the 4 months and has really enjoyed it.
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Danyelle Pickens McReynolds
We've been taking music there for years and have loved every mentor we have had!
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Allison McGavin
My daughter and I love Roots. Cozy, professional, and safe place for your child to learn dance or music!
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Terri Walker
Roots is such a special place! My granddaughter has been playing guitar for a few years and we decided to try Roots. The staff and kids are so friendly and welcoming. She loves her teachers and the band members. Also enjoy the professional entertainers and guest speakers they have to come in to work with the kids. I feel it is more than just giving a lesson in music but life as well. We look forward to coming back after summer break.
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Diana Nerusceac
We love Roots Academy! All people who work in Roots are very professional, knowledgeable, skillful, patient, energetic and fun to work with and learn from. I highly recommend this place.
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Natalie Spradlin
Wonderful community of mentors and teachers and families. Wholesome and nurturing. Striving for excellence. We have benefited from being a part of the Roots family!
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Angie Jett Flynn
This place is absolutely amazing. we love Miss Jackie and she has done an awesome job teaching Isabella our 7 year old to sing.. she just had her first debut performance and it was amazing.
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Tana Holanova
The BEST what you can get in this area! And I really mean it.
Doesn´t matter if you take voice, instrument or dance class, you will get the bets. My daughter takes music lessons for 3 years and I would never change.
And the band program is just cool, the kids feel like rock stars!
Can´t wait for another showcase on your stage!
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Garry Hodges
Awesome place for young people, of all ages, to learn music.
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Maria Roate
Our family has loved being a part of the Roots community : )
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Beth Franklin Smith
We have absolutely loved our experience with Roots since we moved to Franklin a few years ago. From the moment our daughter came to her first dance class, we have been greeted with such kindness. Her mentors truly encourage her to be her best. Our son is now taking piano lessons this year and loves it as well. We are grateful for our experience.
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sarah baugh
My daughter started with ROOTS music with a summer camp and continued with vocal and songwriting lessons throughout the year . Her mentors are excellent and she’s getting such a great education. She’s getting the perfect combination of techniques and skills while her mentors help her find her own voice and prepare her for what she wants to do in the future with music. The staff and mentors are so helpful, friendly and encouraging. We highly recommend ROOTS!
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Jeff Wood
Our daughter Michaela just inroad and she likes it so far, Cindy and I are very proud of her and we like it
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Shelley Clingan
This studio is wonderful. Our daughter was challenged and strengthened not only as a dancer but a person.
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Shelly Fletcher
We just completed our first year at Roots Dance Academy and it was magical. The mentors that encourage and teach the dancers are incredibly talented and kind. The growth that my dancer experienced was so fun to watch! And the friendships formed are so special! If you are looking for a studio for your dancer to grow technically, while also growing in character and friendship, this is your spot.
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Brenda Mazzanti
My daughter is excited to go every week for her piano lessons. Also love the vibe, staff and communication.
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Jeanne M. Smith
Both of my boys (3 and 5 years old) love taking dance at Roots Academy! The teachers are amazing!
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monica M
My daughter has been with roots the past 5 years. The staff is wonderful and the teachers are amazing. The kids are super sweet. It is very family oriented. I highly recommend ROOTS! We are sad that our move brings us away from them! We will miss you guys.
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Leslie Mayberry Bates
Absolutely amazing staff and team!! So very grateful we found Roots!
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Natasha Stoneking
Proud to call ROOTS our home... such an amazing group of talented kids and even better leaders! It's been so much fun to see the evolution of this studio over the past 5 years = cannot wait to see what the next 5 look like!
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Mike Jones
Dave is fantastic at Roots! Extremely nice guy and works really well with my son
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Ava Shaw
I will forever love this place I have danced here since I was 5 and don’t regret one bit of dancing at roots. If you are looking for a new experience come here. Also you are apart of an amazing family come and join us
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Emily Gauchat Bradley
Amazing opportunities with genuine teachers and staff!
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Jennie Miller
My daughter has been taking voice lessons at Roots for about a month, and she loves it! Rachel is great with her and her confidence is growing! Every aspect of Roots' operation is top notch, from their facility to their scheduling software, which makes it super easy to manage your account and rescheduling lessons, if necessary. I highly recommend!
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Otis Rickman
RMAFEST2023 was a hit. The kids are so talented and mentors/teachers are awesome!
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Isaac Castillo
The experience in taking my daughter has been amazing. She has improved so much and she enjoys the voice instructors. I highly recommend Roots!
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Julie K
We can not say enough wonderful things about this place!! We love the owners, mentors and all the dance families here. My daughter has danced for 10 years, but we have only been at Roots for 4 years. It has been a good balance for her of school, school dance and studio dance. The mentors are amazing and so talented. They love love their students and teach them so much more than just dance. This place is where is the the happiest!! It is truly her second home!!!! And we couldn't has for a better place for her to be!
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News & Updates

  • Now Registering for 2025 Summer CampGraphic

    Now Registering for 2025 Summer Camp

    2025 Summer Camp Registration is Open! With over 30 camps to choose from, each of our Dance, Music, and Musical Theatre camps is designed to teach students next-level skills, [...]

    read more
  • RMA Fest RecapGraphic

    RMA Fest Recap

    On November 22–23, 2024, the RMA Fest Fall Showcase took center stage at The Roy E. Barberi Theatre, spotlighting nearly 150 talented music students and OnStage Bands. Over the course of five unforgettable shows, these young artists delivered performances filled with passion, skill, and creativity.

    read more
  • OnStage Band Show RecapGraphic

    OnStage Band Show Recap

    OnStage Band Show Recap: A Night of Music and Memories at the Mockingbird Theatre On December 3–4, 2024, our OnStage Bands brought the house down at the Mockingbird Theatre, [...]

    read more
  • Music & Dance Free Trial Week – Jan 13-18, 2025Graphic

    Music & Dance Free Trial Week – Jan 13-18, 2025

    Calling All Aspiring Musicians and Dancers Ages 6 and Up! ROOTS Academy is excited to announce our Music & Dance Free Trial Week from January 13-18, 2025—an incredible opportunity [...]

    read more
more updates

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose which instrument is right for me?2023-02-27T21:12:39-06:00

We know making that first step in choosing your instrument is a tough one. Don’t let that stop you! We are committed to helping your student find the right fit. If you’re unhappy with your mentor or instrument, you can simply let us know and we’ll try a different option. We offer a one-time free trial lesson for all new students to try out your instrument of choice to ensure it’s a good fit. We’re committed to partnering with you to find the absolute best fit instrument and mentor!

How do I choose which music mentor is right for me?2025-01-15T16:47:44-06:00

Every lesson and class is led by instructors that we purposely call “mentors.” We take the responsibility of training the next generation seriously. Each of our mentors is not only thoroughly background checked, trained, and empowered to develop the student’s gifts and talents, but also to build trusted and reliable connections. We believe that if the students trust the environment and mentor, they will thrive and grow faster. You can meet our Music Mentors here!

Can I change my instrument or my mentor?2023-02-27T21:17:13-06:00

Absolutely. Making an instrument or mentor change is easy. Simply contact our office at (615) 804-1177 or music@rootsacademy.com and let them know what you’d like to do. They’ll be happy to talk you through your options.

If I miss a music lesson, can I make it up?2024-01-11T15:51:14-06:00

Absolutely! As long as we hear from you at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson, you will receive a once-monthly make-up for your missed lessons.

Make-ups are not permitted for no-shows or multiple missed lessons per month.

How do I stop my music lessons?2025-04-07T09:32:49-05:00

We offer hassle-free withdrawals and/or temporary lesson holds. The only requirement is to submit your request to withdraw at least 15 days prior to the next billing cycle. Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing using this form. Withdrawals will be processed within three business days.

How do I know which class is right for me?2023-10-19T15:53:24-05:00

The first step to determining the appropriate class for your dancer is to find the appropriate age division.

  • Toddler (ages 2.5 – 3)
  • Preschool (ages 3-4)
  • Peewee (5-6)
  • Mini (ages 7-8)
  • Junior (ages 9-11)
  • Teen (ages 12-14)
  • Senior (ages 15-18)

Toddler, Preschool, and Peewee dancers must be the proper age by August 15th for their group.

Older students (ages 6+) must be the proper age by January 1st of the following year

Once you know which group is best, you can view the classes available. We have two types of classes – open and placement. Open classes require no dance experience. Placement classes are more advanced for dancers with previous experience. For placement classes, the ROOTS dance staff would love to set up an evaluation in a class with your dancer.

What if the class I want to enroll in is full and waitlisted?2023-10-19T15:55:35-05:00

If the class you’re interested in is already full, please sign up for the waitlist. This ensures you’ll be alerted if a spot opens up. If a space becomes available, we’ll reach out to confirm your interest. Only once a spot is secured for you will you be charged for tuition.

How do I claim the 30-day money back guarantee?2025-01-07T13:57:22-06:00

The money-back guarantee is based on the following requirements:

  • The student is required to attend four consecutive weeks of lessons/classes
  • Parent/student must notify the front office regarding their dissatisfaction by the third week, giving us an opportunity to improve your learning experience.
  • Refunds will be paid by check and delivered within 10-14 business days.
Is participation in the dance recital required?2023-02-27T21:05:40-06:00

Recital participation is not required, however, it is strongly recommended. We expect that all ROOTS dancers are performing in the Recital unless we hear otherwise. If you are unable to perform, please email us as soon as possible at dance@rootsacademy.com

Can I put my music lessons on hold for the summer, sports, etc.?2025-01-07T13:54:38-06:00

Absolutely! We offer a temporary hold for music lessons that allows students to keep their mentor, lesson day/time, and current tuition rate for a discounted rate each month. You can read up more on Lesson Holds here.

JOIN THE FUN!

Follow us on Social Media

More Spring Training moments incoming 🔥 Our Company dancers are bringing the energy, showing up strong, and having the best time together as we head toward recital season.

Choreography: @erin_smith192 Videography: @sayyoproduction Dancers: Dylan, Bonney, and Bethany

View

Apr 30

110 14
Open
More Spring Training moments incoming 🔥
Our Company dancers are bringing the energy, showing up strong, and having the best time together as we head toward recital season. Choreography: @erin_smith192 
Videography: @sayyoproduction 
Dancers: Dylan, Bonney, and Bethany

Spring RMA Fest 2025 — an incredible night of performances, milestones, and celebration. 🌟

From featuring our seniors, to welcoming first-time performers, to opening and closing the night with our OnStage bands, we couldn’t be prouder of every student who took the stage.

Thank you for making this weekend unforgettable. 🎶

View

Apr 29

25 0
Open
Spring RMA Fest 2025 — an incredible night of performances, milestones, and celebration. 🌟 From featuring our seniors, to welcoming first-time performers, to opening and closing the night with our OnStage bands, we couldn’t be prouder of every student who took the stage. Thank you for making this weekend unforgettable. 🎶

Come backstage at RMA Fest with Evie! 🎸✨

She’s giving us a quick greenroom tour before taking the stage at RMA. Catch all the behind-the-scenes fun and get ready to cheer our performers on!

View

Apr 26

27 1
Open
Come backstage at RMA Fest with Evie! 🎸✨ She’s giving us a quick greenroom tour before taking the stage at RMA. Catch all the behind-the-scenes fun and get ready to cheer our performers on!

Spring Training kicked off last week for our Company dancers 🔥
We’re turning up the energy, gaining momentum, and getting ready to AMPLIFY.

Choreography: @erin_smith192 Videography: @sayyoproduction
Dancers: Ayla, Carson, Emma S

View

Apr 17

152 23
Open
Spring Training kicked off last week for our Company dancers 🔥 
We’re turning up the energy, gaining momentum, and getting ready to AMPLIFY. Choreography: @erin_smith192 
Videography: @sayyoproduction Dancers: Ayla, Carson, Emma S

CONTACT INFO

ROOTS ACADEMY

320 Southgate Court
Brentwood, TN 37027

MUSIC
music@rootsacademy.com

DANCE
dance@rootsacademy.com

GENERAL
info@rootsacademy.com

PHONE & SMS
(615) 804-1177

Music offers in-studio, in-home, and online music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, songwriting, music production, and more! Band, ensemble and group classes are also available.

Dance offers a wide array of preschool, recreational, and competitive dance classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Classes are available Monday through Saturday in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, and more.

Musical Theatre combines acting, singing, and dancing into one story-filled show. Classes, camps and productions are available for ages 7-18 years.

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