Rachel | Teacher #3788
About Rachel
Rachel is a dedicated music instructor specializing in teaching composition, organ, piano, ukulele, viola, and violin to students from a young age to adults, in their homes. She brings a rich educational background with a B.S. in Music Education and a B.A. in Music from Lebanon Valley College, a Master’s in Church Music from the University of Kansas, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organ Performance at McGill. Fluent in English and German, Rachel's approach is deeply rooted in encouraging musical exploration and appreciating music's cultural values. She emphasizes hands-on learning tailored to each student's interests and goals. With a notable record of awards and a diverse skill set that includes a strong foundation in Montessori educational methods, Rachel offers a comprehensive and enriching musical education. Book an interview with Rachel for in-home music lessons that nurture talent and passion.
Piano Violin Viola Ukulele Organ Composition Ear Training Music History Counterpoint Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Dictation Composition Suzuki
Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Folk Broadway Musicals Celtic Christian Irish Fiddle Baroque
English German
Teaching Philosophy
Learning music is something we all do. It can be consciously, or unconsciously, such as when we get to know new songs on the radio. When consciously pursuing the study of music, we better understand some of the fundamental elements of life, rhythms, pitches, forms, and more. Music also brings us into contact with the history, values, and identities of different cultures. At the same time, I believe the quote from an unknown source, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture". From the youngest to the wisest of us, we can learn music best by doing, not reading or hearing about it. This "doing" in my studio usually entails following the student's curiosity and building on their goals.
Musical Education
I have a B.S. degree in Music Education and a B.A. in Music from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. This summer I also completed my Master's in Church Music at the University of Kansas. Although I started violin at the age of four with the Suzuki method, my primary instrument through my secondary studies has been the organ. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Organ Performance at McGill.
Awards and Distinctions
While studying in my undergraduate, I was fortunate enough to receive the Jacob's Steinway Piano Excellence Award, even though my primary instrument was the organ. I placed first and second respectively in the Local and Regional levels of the National Competition for Young Organists. I was third in the Arthur Poister Organ Competition and played in the semi-finals of the Toulouse Organ Competition.
Special Skills and Trainings
The instrument that I have studied the longest is actually the violin, as I had fourteen years of consistent lessons between four and eighteen. I then continued to play violin and viola in my undergraduate symphony and chamber orchestras. Playing the violin or viola is still important to me, as I find small chamber groups or opportunities to play in church. During my studies in music education, I also developed my skills at the ukulele. Some of my favorite projects with the ukulele have been playing and singing with a friend for her senior recital, and teaching intergenerational group lesson series for beginners. I have also received Montessori training, working as a summer counselor and a substitute during the school year at a Montessori school. This training has influenced both my work teaching K-8 General Music and my private studio. Last year I studied abroad in Bremen, Germany. I enjoyed teaching beginning and intermediate piano lessons at a music school in German, developing my language skills as the students developed their musical ones.
Lessons in your home
Rachel is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Montreal, QC
- Montreal-Ouest, QC
Lessons on an online platform
Rachel can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Rachel is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
-
Reviews about our Teachers
with ReviewsIO
-
Secure Payments
with Chase Paymentech
-
Verfified Teachers
with Certn