Dave Mohr

15 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

GuitarAdvanced
BassAdvanced
UkuleleIntermediate
Music ProductionAdvanced
MandolinIntermediate
BanjoIntermediate
SongwritingAdvanced

GENRES

CCMCountryPopRock

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

My mission is to create a comfortable, encouraging space where students can be fully themselves, discover what excites them about music, and gain the confidence and tools to reach their goals—both in music and beyond.

about Dave

Dave Mohr’s relationship with music began as pure joy — dancing around the living room in the Chicagoland area to what he proudly called “the Bulls songs.” From those early moments, music became a constant companion. Though his family wasn’t formally musical, instruments were always nearby, and Dave’s curiosity quickly took over! A tiny guitar with a sparkly green rope strap helped him learn “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and by age twelve, music had become a core part of his identity.

Dave experimented with both drums and guitar before settling into stringed instruments, playing in local bands throughout high school. When it came time for college, choosing music felt like the most honest path forward. Studying guitar under Freddie Franken proved transformative. More than a professor, Freddie became a mentor who taught Dave not only how to play, but how to work — setting goals, staying disciplined, and building a sustainable life in music.

After moving to Nashville with a car full of guitars and big expectations, Dave quickly learned that a music career is rarely linear. Touring, teaching, writing, producing, and learning new instruments became part of his journey, shaping the versatility he now brings into his teaching.

At ROOTS Academy, Dave enjoys helping students experience the moment when a concept finally clicks. He tailors lessons to each student’s goals and learning style, creating a relaxed environment where students can grow in confidence and independence.

Outside of ROOTS, Dave performs with the band Remedy Drive and continues to tour, write, and produce music.

Teaching Philosophy

I think lessons are at their best when motivation levels match difficulty levels. While highly valuing fundamentals I like to customize a path for each student that achieves formal lesson goals through their musical interests.

I view the teacher/student relationship as a team. So often it can be difficult for a growing musician, left on their own, to know what their next step is. I try to make sure that every lesson assignment is focused on achieving that next small amount of growth every week. When this type of guidance is applied through material that the student is genuinely excited about progress happens fast and the journey is enjoyable, even if the work is difficult!

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“In recent memory a big highlight was getting to play for Tiera Kennedy on her Grand Ole Opry debut. Another personal favorite moment for me was getting to go on a couple tours with blues artist Keb Mo who I’ve been a fan of since I was a high school student.”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“I’d like to think we can always excel together! A lot of my teaching style is based on unlocking a students love and excitement for music. I’ve loved music my whole life and I lean in to the somewhat innocent assumption that everyone will love it too! Every human being is wildly different, but if a student can find the spark hiding in a corner of the vast world of musical genres, artists, notes and songs we will excel!”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Not all teachers are mentors, but all mentors are teachers. I am lucky to have a great personal example of this in my own life. During my extremely formative college years I was lucky to have a great mentor figure in my own guitar teacher. Week in and week out he not only taught me how to play but gave me the guidance to decide for myself exactly why I wanted to pursue music as a career. This guidance strongly affected large life choices and really helped me know who I wanted to be through it all.

As a private lesson teacher I understand the unique and powerful role a person that you see one on one every single week can have. No matter what a students age or goals in music I strive to be a positive, guiding influence as they, not only learn how to play an instrument but learn how to approach things in life that take work and are difficult.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to a lot of rock, with a heavy dose of punk flavor (pre 2000’s before the pop/punk craze took hold). I’ve also always been a big fan of blues. As far as influence, I think these two styles have something in common. They both communicate really raw emotion in a simple way. Whether it’s a rebellious rage against whatever social construct is getting you down or dealing with deep sadness of life’s struggles I think there is something powerful in grabbing that guitar, letting it rip and just SAYING IT (in some cases without tuning first).”

Where is your favorite local spot? (Venue, restaurant, coffee shop, park, etc.)
“The library. “The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein”

What is your go-to Karaoke song?
“Should I Stay Or Should I Go” – The Clash….. “Rock The Casbah” if I’m feeling ambitious

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“In chronological order – Superman, a chef, an author, Superman again, a musician.”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
(Hoping this is “Living or Dead.”)

Ernest Hemingway: “How much of your writing was fiction?”

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