Sydni Mulligan

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about Sydni

Sydni Mulligan is a Nashville-based voice and piano teacher with a background in vocal performance, music education, songwriting, and the entertainment industry. A recent graduate of Belmont University, she majored in Commercial Voice with a minor in Music Business. Originally from Central Illinois, Sydni found her passion through competitive show choir and musical theater, earning numerous solo awards and recognition as a finalist at the Songbook Academy.

With over a decade of experience, she’s played lead roles in shows like The Sound of Music and Aladdin, and began gigging locally before college. Sydni teaches a variety of styles—pop, R&B, country, rock, musical theatre, and jazz—while focusing on vocal health, technique, stage presence, and musical expression. She also incorporates piano fundamentals for vocalists and beginners to build a strong foundation.

Beyond teaching, Sydni has worked in artist management, A&R, and as a choreographer and adjudicator for show choirs. She performs her original music around Nashville and is a member of the corporate band 30vice. Sydni brings real-world experience and mentorship to every lesson, helping students grow both musically and personally.

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, my goal is to help students become confident, well-rounded musicians while creating a space where they feel safe to explore and grow. I focus on healthy technique, vocal pedagogy, musical expression, and building a strong foundation. I tailor lessons to each student’s goals and styles, and most importantly helping them bring their unique sound to life. With my background in performance, show choir, and the music industry, I bring real-world experience into every lesson and aim to inspire not just skill, but a genuine love for music.

What’s been the highlight of your professional career?

Being selected to perform a solo during Christmas at Belmont, when it was televised!

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?:

I resonate with all types of personalities and voices. Most of my experience centers around the female voice.

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?:

Being a mentor means building a relationship and support an individual through their personal growth and musical journey. I am excited to be apart of students dreams coming to fruition, and to help with the discovery of their unique voices.

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?:

I grew up listening to pop and rock music. It influenced my artistry because I tend to write music with very catchy hooks and tend to use pop/ rock vocal techniques. I have a wide range and big belt that I have been able to master throughout my years at Belmont University. Pop and rock singers tend to have those qualities in their voice and music.
If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what would you ask them?
Whitney Houston and I’d ask her for the biggest piece of advice for an up and coming aspiring artist!

What is your go-to karaoke song?

If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys

meet our
other music mentors
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Teaching isn't just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students' lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below. 

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 – Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD – Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator