Kevin Dempsey

10 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

GuitarAdvanced
BassAdvanced
UkuleleIntermediate

GENRES

CountryJazzPopRock

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

My mission is to create a fun, creative, and positive space where students can be themselves, grow musically, and learn how to navigate challenges in music and life with confidence.

about Kevin

Kevin Dempsey’s musical journey began with curiosity. In elementary school music class, he wasn’t the strongest recorder player, but melodies stuck with him. What truly captivated him was watching his fourth- and fifth-grade teacher strum a guitar while the class sang. That image stayed with him for years and eventually came full circle when Kevin reconnected with that same teacher as an adult and jammed together.

By middle school, Kevin knew he wanted to play guitar. Early lessons were challenging, and the songs that inspired him felt out of reach. But as his music library grew and his ear developed, he began figuring out guitar parts on his own. Those small breakthroughs added up. By high school, music had become central to his identity, shaping his friendships, interests, and sense of purpose.

Throughout his journey, Kevin was guided by influential teachers who shaped not only his technique but also his outlook on learning. He discovered that growth never truly ends — every achievement reveals the next challenge. That mindset now guides his teaching. Kevin enjoys helping students work through obstacles, whether learning a difficult song or preparing for their first performance.

After moving to Nashville, Kevin spent years touring, recording, and performing professionally. While he loved life as a working musician, teaching reconnected him to the heart of music: sharing it with others. At ROOTS Academy, he has watched many students grow from beginners into confident musicians.

Outside of ROOTS, Kevin continues to perform, run marathons and ultramarathons, and spend time with his cat, Papaya.

Teaching Philosophy

There is no wrong way to enjoy music. All students learn differently, and certainly at very different paces, so I always want to put the overall enjoyment of music at the forefront of what I do when I teach. We all have days when we may be struggling to learn a new concept or technique, or maybe we are weighed down by things outside of the lesson. I believe that, in these cases, we have a great opportunity to sit back and listen to music, play some easy songs, or maybe just talk for a little bit. I always want my students to keep their reasons for loving music in sight, and never get bogged down when things get difficult.

How did you come to be a mentor at ROOTS?
“I taught guitar back when I lived in Massachusetts, and spent my first couple years in Nashville really wanting to get back to it, but could never find the time or the right place. When I discovered ROOTS, it really struck me that I had found somewhere different than other lesson studios. ROOTS to me felt much more like a welcoming community driven by people as passionate about helping people in music and in life as I was. Every great mentor in my life had a tremendous impact on who I am today, and ROOTS allows me to hopefully make that same kind of difference in the lives of others.”

What causes are you passionate about?
“I would not be where I am today without the support I got from all of those who mentored me when I was in high school and looking for a path to follow in my life. I was fortunate enough to have a school that received so much support from parents who constantly raised funds to make sure we had all the resources we needed to succeed. I am a big believer in making differences at the local level, and I am so grateful to those who gave unwavering support to my school. All over the country, I am passionate about communities doing what they can to support kids who are following a positive path, whether it is through music like me, or sports, or whatever else it may be! I certainly owe my success today to the people of my community when I was growing up.”

What’s your favorite local spot to spend time at when you’re not working & what do you do there?
“Am I allowed to say my own home? I bought a house with a big yard a couple of years ago, and I love to sit out on my deck and read. I also really enjoy any sort of yard work, and could spend hours working outside. Please do not ask me to do that at your home though – I love playing and teaching music too much!”

What is your favorite down-time activity to reduce stress?
“Everyone close to me knows this, but I am a really avid runner, and I typically log anywhere between 70 and 100 miles each week. It sounds like a lot, but you really do get used to it! Running helps me to both tune out the rest of the world and clear my head. On the other side of things, as a very competitive person, running also gives me a fun outlet to try to better myself every day in a non-music related way!”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? Is it the same now? What changed?
“I grew up listening to all sorts of music, but I always gravitated towards rock music when I was a teenager. At the time, I had several guitar teachers who had grown up in the ’80s and were huge fans of all that crazy guitar-oriented hard rock such as Van Halen and Guns N’ Roses. As I have gotten older, I have really grown to appreciate great songwriting. There was a time in my life where I never thought I would love music that didn’t feature big guitar solos, but these days, I really do love music that is all about the song! Mark Knopfler is one of my all-time favorite artists because of his ability to combine guitar instrumental skill with incredible and diverse songwriting.”

What is your favorite quote?
“Under promise and over prepare.” A professor in college once told me this, and I have never forgotten it. In music world and in life in general, I am constantly reminded of how important this quote has been to me. There will always be people out there who can do the same things you can, but the work you put in on the front end to prepare yourself may be what ends up setting you apart from all the rest.

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