Sydni Mulligan

5 Years Teaching Experience

INSTRUMENTS

VoiceIntermediate
PianoBeginner
SongwritingBeginner

GENRES

CountryGospelJazzPopRock

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

I teach because I love helping people discover confidence in themselves through music. Singing is personal and vulnerable, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in both their skills and how they see themselves.

about Sydni

Sydni Mulligan is a vocal mentor who leads with energy, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of confidence through music. Raised in a home where rehearsals and performances were part of everyday life, she discovered early how music can bring people together and transform self-belief.

With her mom as a music teacher and show choir director, Sydni grew up immersed in a creative environment that shaped her path. She began piano at age three but quickly found her true passion in singing. Watching students in her mom’s rehearsals grow in confidence left a lasting impression that continues to influence her teaching.

After moving from a small Illinois town to Nashville, Sydni experienced a major shift in perspective. Surrounded by highly skilled musicians, she faced challenges with confidence and comparison that reshaped her approach to both music and mentorship. These experiences now fuel her mission to help students build confidence early, equipping them to navigate music and life.

As a performer, Sydni is an active artist and songwriter (releasing music under “SYDNI”), performs with a corporate wedding band, and works as a choreographer, adjudicator, and creative in the show choir world. Her diverse background allows her to guide students in technique, artistry, and performance.

In lessons, Sydni creates a supportive, personalized environment where students feel safe to explore their voice, take risks, and develop confidence alongside skill.

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

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