Ilianna Viramontes

Ilianna is a passionate music mentor at ROOTS Academy, known for her energetic and supportive teaching style. Her approach transforms lessons into lively, confidence-building experiences that nurture both technical skill and emotional expression. Ilianna’s musical journey began in childhood, singing alongside her drummer dad, and evolved with the gift of her first keyboard in second grade. Her early exploration of music through play and improvisation laid the foundation for her creative teaching philosophy. Inspired by her first voice teacher, Nuhad, Ilianna realized the depth of her talent and potential for a music career. Nuhad’s mentorship led her to participate in The Voice and pursue formal training at Berklee College of Music. Ilianna’s personal experiences with overcoming the challenges of comparison have deeply influenced her teaching values. She encourages students to embrace their unique strengths and view every lesson as a stepping stone, emphasizing progress over perfection. With a focus on pop, alt/singer-songwriter, and country genres, Ilianna fosters a creative and improvisational environment. Her lessons are structured yet flexible, adapting to each student’s pace and encouraging self-expression through songwriting and spontaneous playing. She creates a supportive space where students are motivated to perform and grow, celebrating small victories and building resilience. Ilianna’s love for teaching stems from her desire to replicate the impactful mentorship she received. She cherishes the opportunity to learn from her students’ diverse perspectives and talents, fostering mutual growth. Her memorable moments include seeing a once-shy student proudly perform at a recital, affirming her calling as a mentor.