She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 1999 to 2004, earning degrees in English Language and Literature and vocal performance and studying with former Metropolitan Opera diva Shirley Verrett.

Hanson performed in school and All-State choirs as a child, and began studying voice at 12.

She began performing her own songs and other folk music in bookstores and coffee houses as a high school student, after having taken up guitar.

Her initial influences included Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and current folk artists such as the Indigo Girls.

Throughout college she performed at Ann Arbor venues, most notably The Blind Pig, and put on several concerts for University of Michigan students.