Instructors
Sara Mungovan is an Illinois K-12 certified music teacher (general music, band, choir), vocalist, and devoted mother of three with nearly two decades of experience teaching, performing, and inspiring students of all ages. Her experiences both in the classroom and at home have shaped her nurturing approach to education, helping young students to develop confidence, creativity, a lifelong love of music and appreciation for the arts.
Saraâs diverse teaching background includes positions at both private and public schools, and numerous school districts throughout the Chicago area, as well as extensive experience as a private voice instructor. Throughout her career, she has specialized in elementary general music, choral instruction, vocal technique, and student performance development.
Sara Mungovan, co-founder
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Sara earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. She later completed her post-baccalaureate teacher certification program at DePaul Universityâs School of Music. Her passion for music and culture also led her to study abroad in Urbania, Italy, where she completed intensive coursework in music and the Italian language.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Sara has maintained an active performing career. She has served as a cantor and choir member at several parishes, where she leads congregational singing and contributes to liturgical music programs. Her performance experience also includes serving as a wedding and funeral cantor and solo vocalist for numerous ceremonies and events.
Known for her enthusiasm, warmth, and commitment to student success, Sara combines strong musicianship with a nurturing teaching style. She is passionate about helping young musicians discover their voices, develop their talents, and experience the joy and confidence that music can bring to their lives.
Melissa Vincent is an Illinois Kâ12 certified music teacher, singer, and mother. She brings over a decade of experience teaching private lessons, directing choirs, and leading musical theater productions across Colorado and Illinois. She has revitalized and grown vocal music programs on Chicago's North Shore at Highcrest Middle School, Wilmette Junior High School, Marie Murphy School, and Carlton Washburne School, where she collaborated with New Trier High School to support the vocal music feeder program.
Outside the classroom, Melissa is an active vocalist with a diverse performance background. She has performed in opera, musical theater, jazz ensembles, churches, solo concerts, weddings, and memorial services, and was selected to join the Colorado Symphony Chorus. Whether she's singing as a soloist, collaborating with other musicians, or accompanying herself on piano, guitar, or ukulele, Melissa's greatest joy is connecting with others through music.
Melissa Vincent, co-founder
As an educator, Melissa believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Every student brings unique strengths, interests, and ways of experiencing music, and she is passionate about helping each child discover their own voice. Her teaching style combines playfulness and high musical standards, creating a supportive environment where students build confidence, develop strong technique, and cultivate a lifelong love of music.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Michigan State University with a concentration in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting and continued her studies in Bregenz, Austria. She also holds a specialization in Early Childhood Music Education based on Music Learning Theory (MLT), studying under Dr. Edwin Gordon, the creator of MLT, and MLT expert Dr. Cynthia Taggart. By combining her passion for performance with this specialized training, Melissa is thrilled to co-found Roots and provide the North Shore's youngest children with a warm, supportive introduction to music.
