Hi! I’m Rachel, and I teach folks how to play music!
…But it is always so much more than that! Science and mathematics, confidence, self-motivation and goal-setting, creativity, even emotional regulation find their way into our lessons. I don’t just teach you how to be a good musician—any music teacher can do that. I teach you how to use music as a tool to create more joy and fulfillment in your life, which honestly, is the most exciting part of what I do!
My Approach to Teaching Music
Why Learn Music?
As mentioned above, I love working with my students to use music to create more joy and fulfillment in their lives. In addition to that joy and fulfillment, there are so many other benefits of learning music, including:
Bilateral stimulation
Emotive outlet and mirroring
Mathematical comprehension
Many, many more!
What Are Lessons Like With Me?
While learning music and growing our skills is challenging, it should also be fun, and my students deserve an emotionally healthy and reaffirming experience! While we work towards your musical goals, I like to focus on positive reinforcement, balanced with honest feedback and redirection to ensure productivity remains high. When feelings of failure or powerlessness surface for my students, if they are open to it, we can work through those in the moment so students leave our lessons feeling empowered and seen and heard!
Who Can Learn Music?
As one of my students, I work with you to set your own goals, break down tasks to make them achievable, and encourage you as you work toward accomplishing them. I customize our curriculum to what you need as a human, and we maintain flexibility in that regard to ensure positive experiences as you move up in your skill sets. I have worked with many students of all ages with different learning abilities and disabilities over the years, including:
Dyslexia
ADHD
Selective mutism
Social anxiety
PTSD
Physical limitations
Autism
Hypersensitivity
All different modalities of learning
Working together, I am confident that we can find a way to your goals, whatever they are!
What Do You Want to Learn?
Violin/Viola
Beginner Piano
Guitar
What My Clients Have to Say
"Rachel is both an exceptional musician and an effective teacher. She has found the balance between pushing students to excel, while having fun with the music."
Christy R, parent of student
"Ms. Rachel helped me play so much better! I never thought I'd play the violin in my school talent show, but I did, and it was awesome!"
Emery H, age 8
"I had trouble reading music and Rachel had me use flashcards ... Now I can read notes. I have more confidence in myself. I'm having fun! I love the points...I especially love the reward lessons. It motivates me to work hard."
Maggie W, age 8
"Rachel's level of patience with our son is commendable! His skill level has developed noticeably...and the skill of reading music and playing guitar are both maturing...all the more fun to watch his confidence grow."
Caroline D, parent of student
About Rachel
I began my violin studies at age 9, with my humble public school string program. At 15, I picked up guitar, learning by ear, writing my own songs and working on both contemporary and classical studies. I continued my music studies through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner up in my high school’s concerto competition, and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.
In 2003, I earned my Violin Performance degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I enjoyed nearly 20 seasons (with a couple breaks here and there) with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on 7 international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans.
In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic and performed as a first violinist for the next 3 years.
From 2015-2018, I had the joy of fiddling and singing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, featured on NPR’s Blue Plate Special and Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue, and host of the NorFOLK Festival.
In 2018, I moved back to the Kansas City area, where I now reside with my fiance, soon-to-be stepdaughter (I’m a bonus mom!), and our three pets: a sweet little bischon mix named Pixie, and our two troublesome cats, Ellie and Charlie (you might get to meet them, too!).
Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn’t know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype and Zoom, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!
Here’s a short sample of my playing…
Here is a fun little video of my fiance and I playing at a wedding rehearsal dinner together!
Get in Tune with Us!
Let's do this! Feel free to share your musical aspirations and we'll orchestrate a perfect plan together. Remember, every note counts, just like each submission.