Teacher Profile: Rachel Zhao

About Rachel Zhao

Rachel Lee Zhao is a violinist born and raised in the lush farmland of the Shenandoah Valley, VA. She graduated from Oberlin Conservatory with a Bachelors in Violin Performance, earned her Masters of Music degree in Violin Performance at Roosevelt University, and graduated from Shenandoah University with an Artist Diploma. Rachel is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at Stony Brook University. Her primary teachers have included Jennifer Frautschi, Philip Setzer, Hagai Shaham, Arnaud Sussman, Akemi Takayama, David Bowlin, and Almita Vamos.

Rachel is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Applied Violin at Shenandoah University and is also an undergrad chamber music coach at Stony Brook University. Rachel has performed in many venues around the world, in both orchestra and chamber music settings, and also has performed for politicians and dignitaries including recent performances at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence in DC. She has performed across North America as well as Argentina, Panama, Denmark, and China

Having grown up with the Suzuki method, pedagogy is very near and dear to Rachel’s heart. She loves the nurture and encouragement she received as a child and hopes to pass on to the next generation the love and enthusiasm that she feels for music. Rachel works with students of all ages and levels: adults, as well as children, advanced students and beginners alike. She believes that no matter the level of the musician there is such wonderful magic that can happen when a student conquers a new challenge.

Rachel is inspired by contemporary chamber music, and hopes to continue to promote and collaborate with young composers, creating sustainable art for the future.