Deeply Rooted Music School (6636 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO) is dedicated to cultivating a lifelong love of music through high-quality, personalized instruction. Founded on the belief that music is a powerful tool for connection, expression, and growth, the school offers lessons in a variety of instruments and styles for students of all ages and skill levels.
“Arvada is where my business partner and I first met and started teaching music in Jeffco schools,” said owner/teacher Joel Zigman. “We shared a vision for an independent music school where every student can feel free to be themselves, learn through exploration, and have access to top-notch music technology and instruction. Deeply Rooted is a place for students and families to grow a genuine love for music in a supportive community.”
How did you get started in this industry?
Joel: I started playing classical piano when I was young and got into songwriting in high school. I studied contemporary classical composition in college and grad school, but along the way I realized how much I love working with kids, which led me to music education as a career. My own music has shifted away from classical, and now I mostly perform under the name Lesser Jay, making synth pop.
What first drew me to music was writing my own songs and expressing myself, which is not always the focus in traditional music education. Sam and I shared that same philosophy and vision for DRMS, so we decided to leave the public school system and build the kind of music school we wanted to see.
I feel lucky that I have always known I wanted to be a musician. Like many professional musicians, I have learned it takes creativity and perseverance to make a real career in this field, and I am so glad I found this path where I get to do what I love every day and share it with others.
What does “belonging” mean to you, and how can organizations create that for their people or the broader community?
Belonging means you do not have to question if you matter or if you are safe. It means you can choose how much of yourself you share and still feel valued and respected either way. For organizations, it is more than putting up a rainbow flag or checking a box. It is about building trust, listening when people speak up, owning mistakes, and making sure everyone has real influence and support behind the scenes too.
How do you promote inclusion and belonging through the school?
As a transgender business owner, I hope my work shows that trans people are important contributors to all our communities. I want young trans people to see a future for themselves in all kinds of careers and to find a home in music if that is what they love. When trans people have access to basic rights like healthcare, safety, and community support, everyone benefits. I am proud that Deeply Rooted is a place where students and families feel welcome and celebrated.
Do you have a favorite book, podcast, social media account, or news resource related to inclusion and belonging?
I’ll shout out Decolonizing the Music Room! They’ve got a cool collection of resources and are doing interesting work: www.decolonizingthemusicroom.org.
Inclusion is a core value of the Greater Arvada Chamber, which strives to empower new perspectives, solutions, and opportunities for our local economy and to serve as a champion for advancing all businesses and employees in Arvada. If you know a business or individual deserving of a spotlight, please contact Ryan Hecht at ryan@arvadachamber.org.
Learn more at arvadachamber.org/inclusion.
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