Audition Cafe

Introduction

Rachel Halvorson joined the Sarasota Orchestra as principal violist in 2019. She also plays in the orchestra’s resident ensemble, the Sarasota String Quartet.  Rachel holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory (BM), studying with Peter Slowik, and Rice University (MM), where she acted as Teaching Assistant to Ivo Van der Werff and coached chamber music for the Rice Preparatory Program.

Rachel Halvorson is delighted to offer in-person viola lessons, violin lessons, and chamber music coaching in the Sarasota area. Since the onset of coronavirus, she has added virtual lessons to her repertoire.
Rachel is eager to continue growing her studio, and is now accepting new students of all ages and skill levels!

Rachel’s teaching method is tailored to each student’s goals. This means working together to unlock a strong and comfortable technical basis, which will allow exploration of personal musical ideas and one’s own ‘voice’. These skills will support all students’ individual (solo), and community (chamber music, orchestral) pursuits and aspirations.

Rachel believes in the power of collaboration at all levels, and encourages her students to make music with friends and to take music into the community. She is happy to assist her students in creating and pursuing these opportunities, and will coach every step of the way.