What to Expect:
"In my 25 years as a professor at ISU, Rachael's gift as a technician on the violin ranks as the best undergraduate student I have ever had in my studio."
- Dr. Sarah Gentry , Violin Professor at ISU
"She is a first rate musician and a wonderful communicator with both words and music."
-Michael H. Dicker, Former Bassoon from Juilliard's School of Music
".. a student who began taking lessons from me at 4 years of age and showed a rare musical ability even at this young age."
-Laura Dokmo Polick, Chicagoland Private Teacher
OVERVIEW:
Accomplished, classically trained violinist with over 20 years of orchestral, operatic, chamber, and special occasion expertise. Full-time, passionate, self-employed performer who networks, markets, promotes, and executes all aspects of my business. Committed to creating a tailored, memorable customer experience.
EXPERIENCE:
Professional Violinist, Chicagoland Area, IL (2017-Current)
-Built strong reputation which lead to full-time performance schedule for more than two years in the Chicago area
-Refined repertoire to accommodate any setting from an engagement party to a Fortune 500 corporate function
-Carved niche in the Chicago music community affording the opportunity to perform for upper echelon events and an A-List celebrity
-Aligned with reputable wedding companies, contractors, bands, DJs, and event vendors to ensure seamless customer experiences
-Accepted exclusive, all-expense paid gigs in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Tampa
-Obtained top of the line sound equipment providing complete autonomy at any venue
Studio Recordings, Chicagoland Area, IL (2016-Current)
-Collaborated with sound engineers and other musicians to create original content
-Produced high-quality improvisation and sheet music for client's original tracks
-Created promotional renditions of violin covers from a wide range of mainstream music charts
-Launched first single I Want to Know January 2020
Trala: Learn Violin, Chicago, IL (2018-Current)
-Transcribed sheet music and created video lesson plans for use in the app
-Redesigned Trala's social media platforms while keeping them up to date introducing them to violinists throughout Chicago
-Communicated with well-known violinist to coordinate teaching points, song selection, and overall concepts for their lesson plans
-Facilitated marketing strategies to increase subscriptions and customer traffic
Violin Teacher, Private Studio, Batavia, IL (2008-Current)
-Established summer studio of 16 students with various skill levels and ages
-Prepared private lesson plans based on observations of high-level Suzuki instructors
-Organized annual recitals to showcase student achievement
ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT:
The Chicago Federation of Musicians, Chicago, IL (2017-Current)
-Classified as the top music union, consisting of two thousand professional musicians ranked at the highest level
Jam Night: STIX JAMS, Chicago, IL (2017-Current)
-Networked with professional musicians and entertainers among some that are Grammy Award Winning producers and musicians
-Performed on stage with established musicians in impromptu settings
Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Normal, IL (2013-2017)
-Played major works such as Shostakovich No. 10, Tchaikovsky No. 6, Dvorak No. 9, Rite of Spring, War Requiem
-Orchestrated violin sectionals to perfect challenging excerpts while sitting principal stand
-Participated in all musical and operatic productions through the School of Music
Illinois State University Chamber Ensembles, Normal, IL (2013-2017)
-Obtained a principal position in the School of Music's chamber ensemble for students with talent scholarships
Musikgarten Certification Training, Wheaton, IL (2017)
-Learned this teaching method through song, speech, motion, music, and organology from class time and observation
Suzuki Certification Training, Stevens Point, WI (2016)
-Completed classes and observations to teach the Suzuki method of violin instruction
American String Teachers Association, Normal, IL (2014-2015)
-Classified as a member of the largest national organization in America for string teachers
Suzuki Institute, Stevens Point, WI (1999-2012)
-Worked and performed with elite teachers and performers to help enhance orchestral, technical, and individual performance skills
ACCOLADES:
Illinois State University Concerto Competition Finalist, Normal, IL (March 2017)
-Placed in the final four out of 75 graduate and undergraduate students
All-State Honors Orchestra, Peoria, IL (January 2011-2013)
-Achieved the highest level of orchestral placement three consecutive years in Illinois and was seated the Principal Violinist out of over one thousand violinists