About Rachel
Rachel fell in love with violin when she was three. While hearing a Joshua Bell album in middle school, she realized that she wanted to be a professional violinist. Rachel studied music in college and won many competitions and opportunities, including a position at the the Kennedy Center’s Summer Music Institute and a seat in the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. She began teaching violin before college. Several of her former students now have or are pursuing degrees in music.
After college, Rachel and her violin went to Peru to teach and perform in concert halls and kitchens across Trujillo. Her own artistry continued to evolve. She discovered a love for playing in intimate settings and bringing classical music to people who never thought they would like it. Following the 2011 tsunami, Rachel relocated to Japan. Here again, music fostered connections while bringing comfort to those experiencing devastating loss. During her time living abroad Rachel learned Spanish and Japanese.
Rachel continuously added to her repertoire and maintained an intense performance schedule for those six years. After returning to the States, she returned to academia to earn a Masters in Music (Louisiana State University, 2019) and a Doctor of Musical Arts (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2022). Collaborating with those she met during her studies, she helped to start a music series featuring female composers and their stories.
Teachers include David Perry, Espen Lilleslåtten, Song Xie, and Cheryl Kutscher.
Rachel currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is a member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. She also plays with the Louisiana Philharmonic and Opera Louisiane. Rachel loves life, and when not practicing can be found baking, exercising, reading, or chilling outdoors.