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Hi there! I’m a cellist and music teacher with over a decade of experience working with musicians of all ages.
Photo by Dahlia Katz
ABOUT ME
I’m a Toronto-born, Los Angeles-based professional cellist, music teacher, and early childhood music educator. My career has taken me from orchestral stages and concert halls to a teaching practice that spans the continent.
I’ve worked with some of Canada’s most prestigious arts organizations, including the Canadian Opera Company, Esprit Orchestra, l’Orchestre de la Francophonie, and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. My performances have been broadcast on CBC Radio and have taken me to venues including Lincoln Center in New York City.
TEACHING
Teaching is my true passion. I believe curiosity is a superpower and music is a pathway to connection, creativity, and joy. I taught at Etobicoke Suzuki Music in Toronto for seven years, where I created an Early Childhood Music program and helped grow the cello program. I have also served as guest faculty at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Wilfrid Laurier University, and regularly teach and present at workshops and institutes across North America.
Outside of music, I’m a certified Pilates instructor and a big believer in the connection between movement and musical expression. I’m currently on faculty at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and maintain an online studio with students from around the world.
LIFELONG LEARNING
My teaching philosophy is inspired by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and his belief that learning can nurture not only musical ability, but the whole person through childlike wonder and joy. I’m deeply grateful to my Suzuki teacher trainers for their generosity, wisdom, and never-ending commitment to teaching.
CREDENTIALS
Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in Music
Graduate certificate in Arts Administration
Certified in Suzuki Cello and Early Childhood Education
Member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Suzuki Music Canada, and Suzuki Music Association of California.
TESTIMONIALS
“Rachel is a fabulous cello teacher - she is a wonderful musician, with a great understanding of how children learn. As a professional cellist, I have enjoyed sitting in on my granddaughter’s Suzuki cello lessons. I have learned so much from Rachel’s way of teaching - her pedagogy, her enthusiasm, her stories and metaphors, and her shorthand terms for everything.”
“Rachel has been teaching cello to our daughter for over 4 years now, and we cannot say enough about her passion, dedication and extraordinary teaching skills with children. Not only does she make her lessons fun, but her kind yet firm teaching philosophy allows children to grow and develop in a beautiful way that goes beyond music.”
“Rachel is a warm and friendly cello teacher who is thoughtful and responsive to my 7 year-old son during his cello lessons. She has inspired him by finding out what his interests are to further develop his skills. Rachel has helped to foster a love of playing the cello. My son always looks forward to his lessons. ”
“We’ve been sending our son to Rachel for the past two years. She was instrumental in helping him transition from piano to cello and successfully audition for his regional arts program. She has been very accommodating with guiding our son through his musical journey and especially helpful with working through theory, technique, and performance exam pieces. We would highly recommend Rachel for any musician. ”