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Rachel A.
(800) 417-4620
Cello Teacher
Influences: Composers: Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Britten, Couperin, Takemitsu, Prokofiev... so many more!
Cellists: Jacqueline Du Pre, Pablo Casals, Anner Bylsma, Terry King, Steven Isserlis, Piatagorsky... the list goes on...
About Me:
I tend to shape each lesson around the needs/wants of each student. Depending on the level of students, I use a variety of repertoire including Suzuki (I do not teach the method), Kummer, Feulliard, Celtic music, Schroeder, and anything else the student is interested in or that I can dish up. I also include improvisation in the lessons in order to put scales/arpeggios into some sort of musical/creative context. I encourage composition and experimentation when practicing. I am a detail-oriented teacher and I don't like to let "things slide." I believe that cello technique (or any instrument) serves the purpose of the music; it is not a separate entity. I am very patient with students; music is not a race. I meet students where they are when they begin to study with me and grow from there. I utilize ideas from several methods and have created my own flexible system for how I teach. I encourage improvisation and creative thinking.
I believe that the relationship between teacher and student is a symbiotic one; I learn so much from my students. Even beginners. :)
Lastly, I would like to add that practicing should not be a chore. It can be fun, and it is a time for discovery, exploration, and creativity.
Ages:
Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage, Adult
To inquire about lessons with Rachel, please fill out the Inquiry Form on this page, or call us at (800) 417-4620.
Experience:
- Juventas Ensemble (contemporary music ensemble); Boston, MA (contemporary music) [2008 - Present]
- Harmony Project (private cello teacher); Los Angeles, CA [2004 - 2006]
- Community Arts Partnership at the California Institute of the Arts (chamber music teacher); Valencia, CA [2003 - 2006]
- Seoul Music (private cello teacher); Newhall, CA [2005 - 2006]
- Partch Ensemble (microtonal ensemble); Los Angeles, CA [2005 - Present]
- Brad Dutz Quartet (contemporary/improvisation ensemble); Los Angeles, CA [2005 - Present]
Education:
- Master of Music with Distinction in Cello Performance (MM), Longy School of Music [2008]
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cello Performance (BFA), California Institute of the Arts [2005]
Studied With:
- Terry King [2006 - 2008]
- Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick [2002 - 2006]
Seminars and Workshops Attended:
- Summer Institute of Contemporary Performance Practice, New England Conservatory [2008]
- Bowdoin International Music Festival, Bowdoin College [2005]
- Zephyr Chamber Music Festival, Courmayeur, Italy [2004]
- Hot Springs Music Festival, Hot Springs, AR [2004]
Awards:
- NEST-eligible artist - New England Foundation of the Arts [2008]
- Master of Music with Distinction - Longy School of Music [2008]
- Outstanding Jazz Soloist - Downbeat magazine [2002]
Recent Performances:
- Partch Ensemble (Salt Lake City, UT) [October, 2008]
- Juventas Ensemble (Boston, MA) [September, 2008]
- Summer Institute of Contemporary Performance Practice, New England Conservatory (Boston, MA) [June, 2008]
Discography:
- Brad Dutz Quartet - "Whimsical Excursion Boats" [2008]
- Brad Dutz Quartet - "When Manatees Attack" [2006]
- James Fox - "Descansos Past" [2005]
- Carmen Lundy - "Jazz & the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid" [2005]
Scholarships:
- Longy School of Music Scholarship [2006 - 2008]
Student Reviews for Rachel
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other students.Gift Certificates
lesson Gift Certificates make great gifts. You can get them in packages of 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 lessons.
If you need the certificate instantly we can send it to you by email as a PDF file. If you'd prefer the old-fashioned way, we'd be glad to mail it either to you or to the person who'll be taking lessons.

