Hannah Koshgarian

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about Hannah

A Salina, Kansas native, Hannah Koshgarian began studying cello at the age of eight. Throughout her time in primary and secondary school, Ms. Koshgarian performed regularly with the Salina High School Orchestra, the Salina Youth Symphony, the Bethany College Orchestra, and the Hutchinson Symphony.

After high school, Hannah spent her first two years of her undergraduate study at the University of Kansas, where she performed with the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra. Hannah finished her degree at Fort Hays State University, where she continued to study cello through private lessons, as well as performing with the Hays Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Hays Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, and various musical and opera pit orchestras. She also spent many of her collegiate years playing with various contemporary worship teams and chamber ensembles in the area. During her final year at FHSU, Ms. Koshgarian was the recipient of the Edwin Moyers Orchestra Award, given each year to an exemplary string student. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and a minor in Cello Performance.

Since relocating to Nashville in 2015, Hannah has played with the Spring Hill Orchestra, her church worship team at The Belonging Co., and for several television specials. She currently performs regularly with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as recording sessions for various artists across a wide array of genres. She is so thankful to have taught so many incredible students for the last five years, and is excited to continue her private lessons as part of the ROOTS team.

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.”

Salty Treat: Chips & Queso
Sweet Treat: Cookies or Reese’s Christmas Trees
Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A
Sit Down Restaurant: Lyra!!
Coffee Drink: Oat milk flat white or cold brew with oat milk
Movie/Show: Ted Lasso, Great British Bake Off
Place to Shop: Everlane, Anthropologie
Candle: Le Labo
Musician/Band: Harry Styles, Bleachers, Louis Tomlinson, Copeland
Travel Destination: England!!
Gift cards I love to receive: Starbucks, Target, AirBNB or Southwest Airlines

meet our
other music mentors
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Teaching isn't just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students' lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below. 

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 – Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD – Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator