Cassidy Van Amburg is a Chicago native who has been living her dream teaching high school Choir in Nashville for the last 5 years. From a young age, Cassidy was always happiest on the stage. At age 3, she started dancing at her local studio and joined their performance companies in middle school. Through school choirs, musicals, and private voice lessons, Cassidy developed her voice and performed as much as possible. Sophomore and Senior year of high school, she was fortunate enough to tour Europe with choir, performing concerts in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

In 2014, Cassidy graduated high school and moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, studying Secondary Education and English with a minor in Music (Voice). While at Vanderbilt, she helped found Vitality Dance Company, vocal directed a musical for Vanderbilt Off Broadway, and sang in Vanderbilt Chorale. She fell in love with Music City and knew that she was here to stay. Upon graduating in 2018, Cassidy started teaching Choir and English at Nolensville High School and has been there ever since.

Aside from directing three Choirs at Nolensville, Cassidy also vocal directs and choreographs for the musicals at her school. In her time at Nolensville, she has co-directed 12 productions, including Into the Woods, Mamma Mia, and Les Miserables. When she is not at school, Cassidy sings with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, performing frequently at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Cassidy’s Teaching Philosophy: “My Symphony Chorus director once told my students that “Being good is fun” and I think that summarizes my teaching philosophy well. The most rewarding moment for students is often when they have a musical breakthrough in rehearsal or performance they are really proud of. While I believe that learning should be fun, it also requires discipline and structure to reach the best outcome.”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“n 2022 was a transcendent experience. I grew up singing Hallelujah Chorus every year in Choir and have conducted it with my students, so it was already one of my favorite classical works. Also, it was my first time performing with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra which made it even more special.”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“I enjoy working with students of all abilities and meeting them where they are at. Through teaching high school Choir, I have worked with incredibly enthusiastic and incredibly hesitant students. Regardless of their attitude coming in, I hope that students will leave each lesson more confident than they started.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“As a high school teacher, mentorship is arguably the most important part of my job. Being a mentor means getting to know students as people first and musicians second. I believe that if a student is struggling mentally or emotionally, they will not be their best selves musically. I am excited to be a Music Mentor at ROOTS because the one-on-one setting is best for personal growth.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to whatever my sister played in the car, which was a variety of pop, rap, rock, and alternative music. I also listened to anything that I could pick up on guitar or ukulele, which was a lot of Taylor Swift. While I am not a solo artist myself, I find that these various musical interests have helped me readily switch between vocal styles when singing and writing.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“Baja Burrito is my favorite quick Mexican place in Nashville (the fish tacos are the best). Also, I love going for walks at Radnor Lake because that is where I got engaged!”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I always wanted to be a famous singer growing up!”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“If I could meet anyone, I would choose to meet Taylor Swift. I would first ask about her song writing process and where she draws inspiration for her lyrics. (Also, I would ask which fan conspiracies are true and if there are any easter eggs that the fans have missed.)”