Lesson Details
Rachel teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 4+
- Teaching since:
- 2007
Hi! My name is Rachel, and I have been teaching lessons professionally for over 10 years now. My primary instruments are voice and piano, and I also teach music theory/ear training/musicianship skills. I earned my degree in vocal performance from James Madison University, where I taught lessons to non-music majors as well as tutored general music for the student population. I also hold a masters degree in voice performance and pedagogy from the Peabody Conservatory. I would describe my teaching style as fun and relaxed, with a strong emphasis on healthy technique. I believe that all students should have a strong technical foundation, and that begins on day one. Genres I teach include classical, musical theatre, pop, and accompanying skills for pianists. I can also help with audition prep on both instruments. I look forward to meeting with you!
+ Read MoreExperience
Soprano
May 2017 - PresentI will be singing First Lady in "The Magic Flute" and covering the role of Cendrillon in Massenet's "Cendrillon".
Soprano
Aug 2016 - PresentI sang the role of Zoe in "Sukey in the Dark", a contemporary opera performed at Baltimore Theatre Project in February 2016.
In opera scenes, I performed the role of Tallulah in "Hotel Casablanca" at Peabody's Friedberg Concert Hall.
During the 2017-2018 school year, I will collaborate with soprano Madeline Huss on an opera outreach program called "Where in the World is Opera?"
Music Director
Jan 2017 - Mar 2017I was the vocal and instrumental director/conductor for the musical "Cry Baby" at Marshall High School. I oversaw vocal and instrumental rehearsals and all musical elements of the show, played piano for the pit and conducted each performance.
Music Teacher
May 2015 - Aug 2016I taught voice, piano, and music theory lessons to students of all ages.
Music Director
May 2015 - Aug 2015I served as the vocal director and rehearsal accompanist for a production of "Avenue Q" with a professional theatre company.
General Music Tutor for Student Athletics
Sep 2014 - May 2015I tutored JMU's student athletes for a general music class that covered subjects such as music history, basic music theory, and music in modern culture.
Music Theory Tutor
Sep 2013 - May 2015I tutored college level music theory to music majors, covering subjects such as ear training, counterpoint, and basic theory skills.
Musical Theatre Accompanist and Coach
Jan 2012 - May 2015I worked as a rehearsal pianist, personal coach, and performance pianist for the musical theatre majors at James Madison University.
Education
Master of music, Vocal Performance/Pedagogy
Aug 2016 - PresentBachelor of Music, Vocal Performance
Aug 2011 - May 2015Languages
English
Affiliations
Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ)
Apr 2012Sigma Alpha Iota is a professional International Music Fraternity for women. Formed to uphold the highest standards of music and to further the development of music in America and throughout the world, it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public.Sigma Alpha Iota operates its own national philanthropy, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
49 Reviews
Write a ReviewRachel was able to excite my girls to faithfully practice and look forward to lessons. You wouldn’t be disappointed.
I have been taking lessons with Rachel for almost a year and I love working with her. I have noticed a marked improvement in my singing abilities and my confidence has increased dramatically because of it. Rachel starts with a great basic foundation and works with you to bring out your own talent and style. She also has a great balance of teaching you not only the how but the why, which helps to deepen the understanding. I highly recommend.
+ Read MoreRachel is an incredible teacher. She is so good at helping you highlight your strengths as a singer and performer. I don't know what I would do without her for help with audition prep. She knows how to slightly change one or two things to elevate your performance to a new level. Working with Rachel is one of the best decisions I've made as a singer!
+ Read MoreRachel is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable and has great tools to help you learn and continue to grow. She has taught me so much about my voice and I appreciate her expertise. You will not go wrong with a lesson from Rachel.
I’ve been taking lessons with Rachel for about a year now and I have made a ton of progress while having a really fun time :)
I have been playing classical piano for years. So, when I wanted someone to show me how to play fake books, I I struggled to find the right teacher. Rachael showed me the way fairly quickly. I really recommend her
My daughter is very comfortable with Rachel and she looks forward to every session. Thank you Rachel for your help.
Rachel is amazing with kids. Very patient and kind. She is also very friendly and approachable, perfect for encouraging and motivating kids.
Rachel is great! So happy to be taking lessons and hearing differences in my voice already!
Love Rachel! She knows a LOT and makes you feel really comfortable immediately. She seems to tailor her teaching to your needs and it's great.
She was very understanding of my voice, and accepted the kind of music I like to listen to. She can find a song that will fit you and your voice, and I strongly recommend her. :)
Very helpful and kind, especially to a total newbie! I really enjoyed how quickly we were able to jump into singing actual songs.
Very sponsive to my needs and goals.
Rachel was engaging,exciting and effective.
Rachel is my daughter’s piano teacher, and based on our experience with her, and in comparison to my son’s guitar teachers in his early years, Rachel is the best music teacher that I have encountered. Rachel is great with kids, she knows how to keep my daughter engaged and away from frustrations. In her lectures, Rachel maintains a nice balance between fun and challenging songs, and in every assignment she give out, her student either polishes a technique or acquires the new one. All in all, Rachel creates a great learning environment and provides a positive experience.
+ Read MoreRachel is an amazing instructor. She is very knowledgeable on the subject of vocals. The tips and techniques she has taught me in just three lessons have already considerably helped me improve my singing. She is very hospitable, and makes you feel at home and as comfortable as she can. The flow of her classes really takes advantage of the time (at least for her 1-hour-sessions), and there isn't really much time that is wasted on other things. Overall, I think Rachel is an amazing instructor, and I really look forward to keep taking lessons with her
+ Read MoreRachel has been excellent with helping my daughter in voice lessons. She is very patient and helpful. It is very interesting to hear how the tips that she gives make an immediate impact.
I have played the piano for over 50 years and studied under several teachers. Rachel is the best teacher. She is very good at exploring new techniques and is very encouraging and supportive. This "old dog" is learning many new valuable tricks that has enabled me to go to a higher playing level. Thanks much to Rachel!
+ Read MoreRachel is very knowledgeable and patient. She is able to convey techniques that are easy to remember and put into practice right away. Rachel is one of the best teachers I have taken lessons from and I am an older student. I highly recommend her.
This was our first experience with voice lessons. Rachel surpassed my expectations!
Great teacher, very flexible and works at your pace.
Rachel really knows how to tailor her teaching to your level. She will accommodate her lessons to whatever goal you're seeking. Her explanations are straightforward and easy to understand.
Excellent teacher.
Ms. Rachel Sandler is an Exceptional Teacher and knows exactly the needs of my wife (Ms. Rachel J. Saunders and I (Dr. Lewis O. Saunders, PHD) were students of Ms. Sandler for three sessions and what we learned about music was absolutely great! .
When we were assigned to Ms. Sandler we could not read music now we can not only read music but we can determine the pitch etc.. Ms. Sandler only had us for only three sessions because the pervious two sessions were conducted by Alex who had much to be desired along with the practice of being honest.
We will certainly request more sessions with Ms. Sandler because she is an excellent teacher.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rachel J. Saunders and Dr. Lewis O. Saunders, PHD
Alexa loved her first lesson! She can't wait for the second!
So far so good
The time in our lessons just flies by!
Rachel teaches both of our girls (ages 10 & 7) piano and our oldest also takes voice lessons. Our girls are very different; and yet she is patient and engaging, knowledgeable and creative in different ways with both of them. The lessons seem to fly by because they are so engaged and have a lot of fun. She has provided a wealth of resources and guidance. We highly recommend taking lessons with Rachel.
+ Read MoreWe had a great first class. Looking forward to more!
Rachel is a fantastic teacher and an amazing musician.
She's awesome!
High quality teacher. Smart, intuitive, knows her stuff! Excellent with my kids.
Patience with my kids and has a wonderful personality that my kids are comfortable with.
My 9 year old Daughter had her first lesson with Rachel today. She was kind, patient and worked great with my daughter. The instruction she gave to my daughter was super helpful . So fun, she can't wait for the next lesson
Will really connected with Rachel and enjoyed the lesson. He's looking forward to the next one, which is a great sign! Thanks!
We spent my first lesson learning to read notes and learning note locations on the keyboard. Rachel is very clear, and very easy to receive instructions from.
Rachel was a music student at JMU where I teach. I highly recommend her for all the areas listed in her profile. She is a personable and intelligent young woman who is always a professional. Rachel works well with students who range from beginners (any age) through advanced students, including college-level instruction. At JMU, she was chosen to be a tutor in ear training and theory. I only hear praise about help from her peers.
+ Read MoreRachel is a wonderful teacher. She is very encouraging and makes the learning experience a very positive one. I would highly recommend her to anyone that is considering private lessons in piano or voice.
Rachel is the most invested and caring voice teacher I've ever had the pleasure to work with!
Rachel has extensive experience in teaching and performing. Her degree and experiences as a singer and pianist allow her to relate to students from a unique technical perspective. Rachel is not only a talented teacher, but a kind person who is eager to help.
+ Read MoreWe have had 3 or 4 lessons for our daughter with Rachel. Everything has been going great - she's working nicely with our daughter, is punctual and responds immediately with communication.
I've been taking piano lessons with Rachel for a few months now. I can honestly say my lessons have been a delight. Rachel quickly assessed my skill level and adjusted my lessons accordingly. I have a very challenging schedule and Rachel has been very accomadatin. I've learned a great deal and look for to learning more.
Thanks Rachel!!
I've been taking piano lessons with Rachel for a few months now. I can honestly my lessons have been a del
Rachel was excellent with my son. She was extremely patient and took her time to instruct him on how to do something.
Rachel is truly a professional. I've seen her perform many many times and I am always amazed at what a fabulous talent she is. She loves her art so much she has a passion for sharing it with others. That's why she is such an excellent instructor to people young and adult. Her voice and piano skills are outstanding. She is a very responsible and reliable young woman.
+ Read MoreRachel is truly a professional. I've seen her perform many times and each time I see what a passion she has for her art. She , so very much, loves sharing her beautiful talent with others. I've witnessed her teaching children and adults and am always amazed to see the connection between student and teacher. She is very focused and so enjoys her work. Anyone would be very lucky to have Rachel as their instructor in music.
+ Read MoreDedicated, committed and talented. I've watched Rachel grow and learn for her entire life. She is absolutely dedicated to her passion, music.