Inspired by her Norwegian roots, Rachel has built a career around her love of music, performance, teaching, and Scandinavian tradition. She earned her BA in Music and Norwegian from St. Olaf College in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in Violin Performance and K-12 Teaching Certificate from Central Washington University in 2011. Rachel completed additional studies in classical violin at the Music Conservatory of the University of Stavanger, Norway, also using the opportunity to polish her Norwegian language skills. Although violin is her main jam, Rachel is an avid Hardanger Fiddler (the national folk instrument of Norway), an aspiring violist, an enthusiastic conductor, and a novice improv actor! Rachel is an active freelance violinist, fiddler and teacher in the Seattle area. Whether it’s a classical concert, performing with a rock band, playing in a musical pit or recording for a video game, she is down to play! Rachel’s love of playing music includes her dedication to teaching. She has taught elementary and middle school orchestra in the Edmonds School District and Mount Kenya Academy. Inspired to wear many different hats, she thoroughly enjoys conducting the vibrant West Seattle Community Orchestra’s Debut Orchestra and is looking forward to assistant conducting MYSE!