Dani Alexander

2 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

PianoIntermediate
ViolinAdvanced
ViolaAdvanced

GENRES

ClassicalPop

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

My mission is to help students discover their own voices and develop a lifelong love of music through patient, honest, and individualized teaching that builds confidence, creativity, and joy—both in music and in life.

about Dani

Dani Alexander’s musical story began in the backseat of her parents’ car, singing along to the soundtracks of Wicked, The Little Mermaid, and Hercules. Though her parents weren’t musicians, they made sure music was always present. Dani learned to sing by imitation, discovering her voice through those songs. Piano lessons followed at age five, but everything truly clicked when she picked up the violin. From the beginning, she was driven by curiosity, often teaching herself favorite melodies by ear and practicing simply for the joy of it.
The violin became Dani’s musical home after a school “Instrument Petting Zoo Day,” where she immediately felt drawn to it. That passion continued through her undergraduate studies, where she met her violin professor, Dr. Elzbieta Tokarska. Under Dr. Tokarska’s mentorship, Dani not only refined her artistry but also learned to take herself seriously as a musician. The experience helped her build confidence, clarify her goals, and find her place within the classical music world.
Like many musicians, Dani has faced challenges with self-doubt and stepping beyond her comfort zone. Learning to embrace failure and trust the process remains an ongoing journey — one she openly shares with her students. These experiences shape her belief that challenges are essential to growth.
At ROOTS Academy, Dani focuses on helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of ownership in their musical journey through supportive, personalized lessons.
Outside of ROOTS, Dani is completing her Master of Music and performs regularly with a string quartet at events and competitions.

Teaching Philosophy

With 2 years of teaching experience, Dani brings an individualized and relational approach to each student she works with at ROOTS Academy. Dani has taught students as young as five and as old as thirty, helping them build a strong foundation in classical technique while exploring their unique musical interests—from pop songs to video game soundtracks. Dani believes music should be both disciplined and joyful—a space where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to express themselves fully.

What’s been the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight of my professional career so far was a 10-day period this past spring that felt like the culmination of everything I had worked toward during my time at Belmont. In that short window, I had the incredible honor of performing my final concert as concertmaster with the Belmont University Symphony Orchestra, giving my senior recital, and playing in a chamber concert with my string quartet. Each performance was filled with people I love and deeply admire—both on stage and in the audience. It was a powerful and emotional experience to share music with those who have shaped my journey, and to celebrate the years of dedication, collaboration, and growth alongside my peers and professors.

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

Students who thrive with me as their mentor are curious, open-minded, and eager to grow—not just musically, but personally. I work best with students who are willing to engage in the process, ask questions, and explore their own musical interests alongside developing solid technique. Whether you’re a beginner or picking up an old passion, I take an individualized approach that meets you where you are, builds strong foundational skills, and makes space for creativity and joy in the process. You don’t have to be the most advanced player or have everything figured out—just bring a willingness to learn and a love (or even a hunch) that music is something meaningful for you. I’ll help guide the rest.

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

To me, being a mentor means more than just teaching notes and technique—it’s about walking alongside a student as they discover who they are as a musician and as a person. It means creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and challenged in the best ways. A mentor listens, adapts, encourages, and sometimes just celebrates the small victories that add up over time. I’m excited to step into this role because I know firsthand how transformative a great mentor can be. I’ve had incredible teachers and peers who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me fall in love with music again and again. Now, I get the chance to offer that same support to others—to help students build confidence, express themselves, and maybe even discover something in music that they didn’t know they were capable of. That’s the most meaningful part of this journey for me.

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

I grew up listening to a wide range of music—whatever connected with me emotionally, I was drawn to. The year I was born, my mom had Evanescence and the Wicked soundtrack on repeat, which is a pretty unique combination—but to this day, I can still sing every word. Music in our house reflected each family member’s personality: my dad loved indie rock, my grandpa played old-school country, and my little sister and I were all about Hannah Montana. Each genre had its own space and meaning, and that stuck with me. Even though I now study and perform classical violin, I carry that early lesson with me: all music has value, and all of it has a place in the world. That belief influences both how I perform and how I teach—recognizing that emotional connection is just as important as technical skill, and that every musical style can be a powerful means of expression.

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

This is very classical violinist of me, but I would ask Tchaikovsky how he writes such beautiful melodies!

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