Hannah Koshgarian

INSTRUMENTS

CelloAdvanced

GENRES

ClassicalPopRock

LANGUAGES

English

Mentor Mission Statement

I teach because I love encouraging people in their authenticity. Music is both connection and expression—to ourselves and to our communities—and I strive to create a space where students feel safe to explore both.

about Hannah

From early childhood memories of watching her father conduct orchestras, Hannah Koshgarian’s musical journey has been rooted in connection, expression, and storytelling. That early sense of wonder — seeing people united through music — continues to shape her work as both a performer and educator.

Hannah began piano at age seven before discovering the cello at nine during a school “instrument petting zoo,” where its rich, voice-like tone immediately resonated with her. Growing up in a musical household, she was encouraged to explore her own path, developing a deeply personal relationship with music. Today, she performs with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and collaborates in studio sessions and live performances, while also exploring composition and interdisciplinary work.

Her teaching is shaped by her own learning experiences, including navigating undiagnosed ADHD and developing personalized systems to stay engaged. This instilled a belief that no two students learn the same way. Hannah creates customized lesson plans tailored to each student’s goals, learning style, and interests—balancing technique with creativity and enjoyment.

Inspired by mentors like Dr. Chris Norton, she emphasizes musical storytelling and emotional connection alongside technical skill. Her curiosity also extends to global traditions, particularly from Southwest Asian and North African cultures, enriching her teaching with diverse perspectives.

Above all, Hannah fosters a supportive space where students can discover their authentic musical voice and experience the joy of meaningful, self-driven growth.

Teaching Philosophy

Every student is a different student, and should be treated and taught taught as such! Different students will have different learning styles and needs and goals with the instrument. While I believe that a solid foundation of technique is universally important and provides the building blocks for any style of playing, how we get there and where we go from there is entirely dependent upon the student’s own personal goals and desires for learning! I also believe in creating a safe space for people to fail. Learning something new and taking risks requires vulnerability, which can often feel uncomfortable. I want to foster a teaching environment that invites failure and shifts the perspective from that of shame, to that of a learning opportunity. Even as a teacher, I fail all the time! I want my learning environments to be marked by grace, patience, and a nurturing kindness. I believe that coming together and creating music in any capacity is sacred. Approaching something with reverence does not require perfection, but authenticity. I strive to model that by example, so that my students can experience that felt safety in taking risks, failing, and learning to keep trying again.

Why are you passionate about teaching?
“I love to encourage people to be the best versions of themselves, and see them succeed! It’s one of the most rewarding things in the world to not only see the potential of a student begin to come to fruition, but for them to see that realised for themselves. To come alongside someone and help them grow and develop is such an honour. I feel like I am constantly learning from my students as well. It keeps my perspective fresh and helps me remember why I love making music and playing the cello as much as I do. We really get back to the “ROOT” of why creating music is so vital (pun absolutely intended).”

What type of student will excel best under your mentorship?
“Any student with a genuine desire to learn and progress! I love helping students figure out their own unique niche with the instrument, even if that’s not the traditional classical route.”

What causes are you passionate about?
“I am really passionate about environmental sustainability, as well as sustainable and ethical practices within consumer spheres. I am in the beginning stages of pioneering an environmental sustainability team at my church, in order to encourage mindfulness in the products we use and what we do with them after they’ve been used. I am also incredibly passionate about anti-human-trafficking work. I’ve been volunteering with a global nonprofit called Hope for Justice since 2019, and spend a couple days each week working with the team at the local Nashville office. When I heard about the amazing things that this organisation does and how intentionally they treat every single facet of anti-trafficking work, I knew that I needed to be involved somehow. I’ve had the incredible opportunity of attending their conferences internationally, as well as travelling around the country for training and fundraising events. They work in every facet of anti-trafficking, including prevention trainings, equipping local law enforcement and medical staff on recognising the signs of human trafficking, direct rescue of victims all around the country, providing aftercare at one of their restoration houses, providing makeup education and job training, reintegrating victims back into their family and community settings, and working with local and national government officials for legal reformation. There is so much injustice and need in this area, and I love getting to take actionable steps to be part of the solution.”

Where do you look for creative inspiration?
“Musically, I’ve been really inspired by people who are pushing the boundaries of string performance. I think it’s easy to think of stringed instruments as being used in a specific context, so I really enjoy artists who are using them in nontraditional ways. I’m a very visual person, so I also love to find creative inspiration in things like visual art, photography, or interior design. Having alternative means of creative catharsis for myself helps me to translate that inspiration into my playing and think outside the box.”

What’s your favorite down-time activity?
“Being outside is so therapeutic for me, so anything involving hiking, being on a trail, or even just reading outside at a park or on my deck. I also really love to cook and bake, and have recently been focusing on learning to make more Armenian dishes to honour that part of my heritage. They’re usually fairly intricate, but I love spending the extra time preparing something extra special.”

What’s your favorite local spot to spend time at?
“I really love craft coffee, so posting up at a local cafe with a good book is one of my favourite things to do when I’ve got a day off. I also really enjoy being outside, so I spend a lot of time at the greenway near my house.”

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