James Zipfel

4 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

ViolinAdvanced
FiddleAdvanced
ViolaIntermediate
MandolinIntermediate

GENRES

ClassicalCountryJazzRock

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

As a mentor at ROOTS Academy, my mission is to give students confidence through strong technical foundations, music they love, and an environment where they feel excited to learn and proud to share their skills.

about James

James Zipfel’s love for music began with a moment of shared connection — standing in a crowd at a small St. Louis music festival, watching Wilco perform, and realizing how powerful it was for so many people to experience something together. Not long after, at age nine, he picked up the violin through his elementary school orchestra program. What began as a way to play alongside friends quickly grew into a lasting passion through rehearsals and ensemble performances.

A major turning point came in high school when James began private lessons with violin teacher Matt Pickart. Those lessons instilled discipline, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of intentional practice, laying the foundation for his life as a professional musician. Along the way, friends and fellow musicians also shaped his path, introducing him to new artists, ideas, and creative possibilities.

Like many young musicians, James faced technical challenges early on. Persistent tension made playing frustrating despite hours of practice. A perceptive teacher eventually helped him adjust his technique, transforming both his comfort and sound. That experience now sits at the heart of his teaching philosophy. James prioritizes helping students develop healthy, efficient technique so their bodies support their musical goals.

After moving to Nashville to pursue music, James became especially passionate about access to quality music education. At ROOTS Academy, he tailors lessons to each student’s goals, whether preparing for auditions, returning to violin later in life, or building foundational skills.
Outside of teaching, James tours with country, rock, and pop artists and writes original instrumental music.

Teaching Philosophy

“I feel that one of the greatest things a teacher can do is get their students eager to play their instrument. If a student is really enthusiastic about a song they tried learning at home, I aim to help them further explore the discoveries they’ve made. If a student wants to learn about a certain technique on the instrument that they’ve seen before, I will incorporate that into our lesson materials! Overall, I believe that music is an amazing exploratory and collaborative experience, and I aim to maintain excitement and fresh concepts in our lessons while providing students with the proper techniques, foundations, and theory along the way”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“I feel like the biggest highlight of my career so far was when I had the pleasure of playing violin with Josh Groban on his “Harmony” Tour. The entire experience was new to me, since that was the first “gig” I had ever gotten of that level. Needless to say, I feel like I really was able to take away and learn a lot from that experience, and the added benefit of being able to play in my hometown of St. Louis for my family was an extra treat. Overall, it was a really uplifting and encouraging experience for me to further pursue my passion for and career in music.”

What type of student will excel under your mentorship?
“I always try to meet students with where they’re at! With this, students that come to me with any concerns, issues, or questions about their instrument or the music they’re playing will get the most out of our lessons!”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a Mentor is so important to me not only as a musician, but as a person. When I look back, all of my past music teachers instilled such a great love for music in me that I feel now it’s something I could never live without. Being a Mentor myself now, I’m excited to continue to share music with students that spark their creativity and curiosity while also having fun and being able to share their music with others!”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to a lot of different styles of music growing up, but I feel that the styles that stuck most to me come from a few different worlds. I really admire the songs of Jim Croce, Prince, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Van Morrison, and they really helped me spur my excitement for music early on. As I pursued my violin studies, I credit the sounds of legendary violinists and fiddle players such as Vassar Clements, Stephane Grappelli, Tracy Silverman, and Itzhak Perlman. These musicians have revolutionized the fields for my instrument throughout several genres, including Bluegrass, Country, Jazz, Rock, Celtic, and Classical music. Without hearing the recordings from these players and from all of the artists and bands I love, I doubt I’d be the player I am today.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“Bill’s Sandwich Palace in East Nashville, hands down!”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“When I was a kid, I had always wanted to be a baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals, my hometown team! Growing up watching those 2006 and 2011 World Series games were some of my favorite memories from when I was younger.”

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