Zoe is so excited to be joining ROOTS as a Music Mentor to help continue to inspire, encourage, and challenge singers to be in their full power as performing artists.

A recent graduate from Berklee College of Music-professional vocalist, songwriter, and voice instructor Zoe Nygaard moved to Nashville in the fall of 2022. Raised in Clarkston Michigan, Zoe found a way to bridge her background in classical technique with the candor and expressiveness of contemporary singing. At 8 years old, she made her performing debut in the Broadway musical The Wizard of Oz. Zoe’s notable choral performances include at Carnegie Hall, and at TD Garden for Eagle’s Hotel California Tour in 2021. Zoe is a recipient of The Berklee Grant, The World Tour Scholarship, and The Thrive Scholarship for voice. She has also been recognized by the State of Michigan for her work in performing arts.

Zoe is a folk/rock artist who performs and releases her own music, and is currently working on her debut album. Her experience in a wide variety of genres including blues/rock, jazz, soul, roots, musical theatre, and pop makes her comfortable and enthusiastic about many styles of singing. Zoe aims to guide her students through the discovery and mastery of what they’re passionate about.

Zoe’s Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy has always been centered around vocal health, mindfulness, and the development of individual artistry. I strive to set an example of gratitude, professionalism, and optimism in everything.”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“Singing in a choir for Eagles on The Hotel California Tour”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“Creative, open-minded, and motivated students”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role
“Being a “mentor,” to me means showing my students how incredibly talented and capable they are through the work that we do together. I strive to set an example of gratitude, professionalism, and optimism in everything. I’m excited to step into this role because my own music mentors have made such a positive impact on my life, and it means the world to me to be able to have that opportunity now.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to the Motown, soul, and blues rock records my grandparents collected in Detroit in the 60’s and 70’s. I have a lot of their collection here with me in Nashville and I cherish them so much. Music from this era has influenced the center of who I am as a vocalist, as well as most of contemporary music today.”

Where is your favorite local spot? (Venue, restaurant, coffee shop, park, etc.)
“My favorite local spot is The Blue Room for live music”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“I would love to meet Florence Welch and ask her how she keeps so much stamina on stage”