Ilianna Viramontes

3 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

PianoBeginner
VoiceAdvanced

GENRES

CountryPop

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

As a mentor at ROOTS Academy, my mission is to help students reach their full potential by creating a safe environment for growth, fun, and creativity. I strive to create an environment where students leave our lessons feeling lighter than they came, and I am committed to help guide each student to reach their personal goals in music and in their everyday lives. Through my teaching, I hope to inspire and give hope to each aspiring student/musician I get the pleasure to mentor.

about Ilianna

Ilianna Viramontes is a passionate music mentor at ROOTS Academy known for her energetic and supportive teaching style. Her lessons are lively, confidence-building experiences that nurture both technical skill and emotional expression.

Ilianna’s musical journey began in childhood, singing alongside her drummer dad. In second grade, she received her first keyboard, which opened the door to exploring music through play, improvisation, and curiosity. Those early experiences shaped the creative and flexible approach she now brings to teaching.

A major turning point came when she met her first voice teacher, Nuhad, who helped her recognize her potential and encouraged her to pursue music seriously. With that mentorship, Ilianna gained opportunities like auditioning for The Voice and later studying at Berklee College of Music. Along the way, she also faced challenges with comparison and self-doubt — experiences that now shape how she supports her students.

Ilianna encourages students to focus on progress rather than perfection and to embrace what makes their voice and creativity unique. Specializing in pop, alt/singer-songwriter, and country styles, she creates lessons that balance structure with freedom. Students are encouraged to explore songwriting, improvisation, and performance in an environment where curiosity and confidence can grow.

For Ilianna, teaching is about paying forward the mentorship that shaped her life. She finds deep fulfillment in watching students gain confidence and discover their voice.

Outside of ROOTS, Ilianna writes, records, and performs her own music while continuing to explore creative interests that inspire her artistry.

Teaching Philosophy

Creative and Improvisational, Performance-Centered, Structured and Goal-Oriented, Patient and Supportive, Expressive and Emotional, Energetic and Fun

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