Cello

 

Cellist Rachel Arnold has distinguished herself as one of the most versatile and eclectic cellists of her generation, playing such diverse genres as Baroque (including viola da gamba), Classical, jazz, improvisational, Indian and contemporary music.

 

In 2002, Rachel was the recipient of the prestigious “Outstanding Jazz Soloist” by Downbeat Magazine. Rachel has performed at numerous chamber music festivals including the Zephyr (Italy), Bowdoin, Summer Institute of Contemporary Performance Practice at the New England Conservatory, and LyricaFest. Her jazz quartet CD, When Manatees Attack, featuring music by percussionist Brad Dutz, was heralded in the Jazz Times “The musicians play with precision but let the music breathe naturally...the solos are creative.” Rachel is also a member of the Los Angeles-based Partch, in which she plays the microtonal music of Harry Partch on an adapted viola and a kithara (a 72-stringed harp-like instrument). She can be heard on the pfMentum, Cold Blue and Innova record labels.

 

Rachel is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and the Longy School of Music, where she earned of Master of Music degree. Her principal teachers are Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick and Terry King.

 

Rachel tends to shape each lesson around the needs and wants of each student. Depending on the level of students, she uses a variety of repertoire including Suzuki, Kummer, Celtic music, Schroeder, and anything else the student is interested in. Rachel also includes improvisation in the lessons in order to put scales/arpeggios into some sort of musical/creative context. Rachel encourages composition and experimentation when practicing. She believes that cello technique serves the purpose of the music; it is not a separate entity. Rachel is very patient with students; she strongly believes that music is not a race. She meets students where they are when they begin to study with her and guides musical growth from that place. Rachel believes that practicing should not be a chore; it can be fun, and it is a time for discovery, exploration, and creativity. She believes that the relationship between teacher and student is a symbiotic one; she learns so much from each of her students - even beginners!