Rachel Gaither

With passions in performing, coaching, and teaching, I have over 25 years of performance experience and over 15 years of experience teaching and coaching students of all abilities. From blues to bluegrass and classical to jazz, I love playing all styles; when teaching, I work with you to create customized goals in any of those styles, aligning them with your own interests, and encouraging you every step of the way.

Online Music Lessons

Once you are ready to take on music lessons, your life will never be the same. Music enriches our minds and lives in many ways, including expanding our expectations past what we think is possible for ourselves! I’ve taught hundreds of students over almost 20 years, and have loved helping my students learn to read and play, discover their own love of music, and conquer their fears of performing. I’ve been described by students as encouraging and fun, and my teaching style is warm, positive, and relaxed. I have worked with many students, including some with learning disabilities, physical limitations, PTSD, and just plain ol’ stage fright! I work with you to set your own goals, and I look forward to helping you reach them… It’s what I love about what I do. 

I set new students at ease with humor and a can-do approach, leaving you empowered and inspired! 

"Ms. Rachel helped me play so much better! I never thought I'd play the violin in my school talent show, but I did, and it was awesome!" ​​
-Emery H.
Age 8
"Rachel is both an exceptional musician and an effective teacher. She has found the balance between pushing students to excel, while having fun with the music."  ​​
-Christy R.
Parent of Student
"Rachel's level of patience with our son is commendable! His skill level has developed noticeably...and the skill of reading music and playing guitar are both maturing...all the more fun to watch his confidence grow." 
-Caroline D.
Parent of Student
"I had trouble reading music and Rachel had me use flashcards ... Now I can read notes. I have more confidence in myself. I'm having fun! I love the points...I especially love the reward lessons. It motivates me to work hard." ​​
-Maggie W.
Age 8

"Rachel takes the time and makes the effort to really know her students. [She] has helped me to achieve something I have dreamed about for many years."
-Rick L.
Age 51
Student Recital, 2016

About Rachel

I began my violin studies at age 9, with my humble public school string program. At 15, I picked up guitar, learning by ear, writing my own songs and working on both contemporary and classical studies. I continued my music studies through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner up in my high school’s concerto competition, and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class. 

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans. Our sixth international tour is scheduled for 2019 in Scotland. 

Tullamore
Hampton Roads Philharmonic
Brackish Water Jamboree

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and have played since as a first violinist. 

From 2015-2018, I had the joy of fiddling and singing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, featured on NPR’s Blue Plate Special and Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue, and host of the NorFOLK Festival. 

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn’t know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, Zoom, and TakeLessons Classroom, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations! 

Contact me today to find out what’s possible for you!

Contact Me