Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Cohen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
About two years ago, I got a text from an artist (Zach Bryan) asking me if I wanted to hop on a national tour as a substitute fiddle player for 6 weeks. I responded yes immediately without hesitation or consulting my now husband or anybody else. I just had a sense that this would be a huge life changing moment. I had never ridden on a tour bus before, never performed in an arena, and had two weeks to learn an entire two hour+ set list by ear (no sheet music). The incredible front of house engineer sent me audio from their most recent show and Lucas Ruge Jones (his fiddle player) talked me through the set while he himself was on the road. Then I got working on learning the very fiddle heavy set. Two weeks later, I flew to Little Rock, Arkansas with a 100 pound suitcase, a lot of nerves, and no idea that this tour group would soon become a lifelong family and a full time job. Moral of the story, take the risk. Say yes to the jobs that may appear daunting or totally new. In the world of freelancing, the yes’ lead to the path of your musical journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Hannah Lynn Cohen and I am a violinist based in NYC. I have been playing the violin since I was four years old. I moved to NYC when I started my Masters in Violin Performance at NYU. Moving to NYC and being a professional violinist had been a life long dream of mine. After graduating, I began a full time freelance career. I began subbing as a violinist in Chamber Orchestra of New York, American Ballet Theatre Orchestra and the American Symphony Orchestra as well as lots of freelance gigs for weddings, luxury events, etc, as well as being a studio musician. About two years ago, I got a call from a close friend of mine that an artist was looking for a violinist to record a song with him that afternoon. She told me to clear my afternoon and this would be worth it. I did what she said and went to the address provided and learned I was recording with country artist Zach Bryan. He was so incredibly kind and we worked so easily together and became fast friends. From there I started my journey as a recording and touring musician with him and his band. After recording with him that day, he invited me to fill in for his fiddle player when he left for paternity leave on his national Quittin’ Time Tour 2024. Then, winter 2025 Zach asked me to bring a string quartet with me for the final two shows of the Quittin’ Time Tour and born was his touring string quartet ‘The Kings of Strings.’ I was so lucky to be able to bring along 3 incredible women who are all close friends and add a whole new female dynamic to Zach’s band. The Kings of Strings toured all of 2025 with the band and then we recorded on his most recent album “With Heaven On Top.” In a week, we embark on our world tour “With Heaven on Tour.” I still am so lucky to play for all the same organizations I started my freelance journey with and gig all over the city and the world in addition to touring and recording with Zach so I have been able to build a very full musical life here in NYC. There truly is nowhere like NYC for creating these musical connections and life long partnerships. The biggest lesson I have learned so far in my career is to say yes. Say yes to all of the opportunities because you truly never know where they may take you.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think the best way society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to get out and watch a live performance. Go to the museums and the galleries. Go to the theatre. So many people think that they “wont understand it” and other such sentiments, but the truth is that art is for everybody and we need to get off our couch and switch of tiktok or Netflix and go see live art. That used to be the main source of entertainment for people, and we as a society have become far too comfortable in the safety of our own homes that we avoid live interactions with people. Going to see live art will open up peoples minds so much more than what is on their phone. Not only does this support artists monetarily, but also mentally – seeing people show up who aren’t your friends or family is invigorating. It makes you feel like your art matters and is reaching somebody.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My favorite quote really embodies what drives my creative journey. The quote reads “If we were a medical school, and you were here as a med student practicing appendectomies, you’d take your work very seriously because you would imagine that some night at two AM someone is going to waltz into your emergency room and you’re going to have to save their life. Well, my friends, someday at 8 PM someone is going to walk into your concert hall and bring you a mind that is confused, a heart that is overwhelmed, a soul that is weary. Whether they go out whole again will depend partly on how well you do your craft.” – Karl Paulnack. The idea of music bringing hope and reprive into the world is one of my leading driving factors besides my absolute love for what I do. I like the idea that I can make a difference with my art, even if just for one night it is giving a single person hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannahlynncohen.com
- Instagram: @hannahlcohen
Image Credits
Louie Nice, Lucas Creighton, Sophie Harris