Rachel Gaither

Rachel Gaither has had a rich and diverse career, from orchestral and classical groups to country, Celtic, and bluegrass, and has been heard at Carnegie Hall, national NPR radio shows, and on international tours and cruises. Not just a performer, however, she has been a songwriter and a teacher for 20 years, fostering a diverse and thriving studio throughout her career.

Rachel's roots lie in the Midwest, growing up in a thriving public school music program and studying music performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Her degree was not just limited to violin performance, however, as she also studied piano and vocal technique, participating in musicals and opera-themed concerts. Her love of music does not stop there--she has been self-taught on guitar for over 20 years, including classical studies and songwriting. In 2004, after graduating with a Bachelor's in Music, she joined as fiddler and lead vocalist for Tullamore--one of the Midwest's most lauded regional Celtic groups. Tullamore continues to wow audiences across the U.S. and Europe with concerts and festivals featuring their complex and contemporary vocal and instrumental folk arrangements.



In 2014, Rachel moved to Virginia, where she auditioned and was accepted into the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, where she continues to play as a first violin. She also had the esteemed pleasure of recruitment into the award-winning Americana band, Brackish Water Jamboree, performing with them across tours of the eastern U.S. for four seasons. During this time, they were featured on the NPR shows "Out of the Box" with Paul Shugrue, as well as The Blue Plate Special out of Knoxville, TN, with Rachel as fiddler, guitarist, and backup vocalist.



Throughout her rich performance career, Rachel has nurtured a thriving teaching studio, teaching hundreds of students over 20 years. She has been lauded by her students as kind, fun, energetic, relaxed, compassionate... she has taught many styles and all ages and learning abilities, and she continues to love what she does--making a difference in the lives of her students through music!

I believe that anyone can learn music, and can enjoy the benefits of participating in the craft of its art.

My students have called my teaching style fun, energetic, and compassionate. I strive to create an atmosphere of warmth, enjoyment, and casual, relaxed learning. Having taught students of all ages, I have a special place in my heart for both children and working with adults--I love people, and I love being able to relate to my students through something we both enjoy. Being able to make a difference in the lives of so many is such a gift, and quite the job bonus!