Wellington
Flute Lessons | Recorder Lessons | Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons
Bio
Rachelle is one of New Zealand’s most versatile flutists. She started playing flute at the age of 10 and graduated from Massey University with a Bachelors of Music in classical performance flute. After a number of years working as a freelance classical musician, working with Orchestra Wellington and the New Zealand Airforce band, Rachelle returned to university to complete a Graduate Diploma of Jazz at the New Zealand School of Music, studying with trumpeter Lex French. In 2020 she once again returned to the NZSM to gain her Bachelors of Music with Honours in Jazz flute.
Rachelle has played with some of New Zealand’s top Jazz musicians including John Rae and the Troubles and Jonathan Crayford. She has also worked as a studio musician recording for film, documentaries and on various albums.
Rachelle has recently returned to Wellington after two and a half years overseas. Rachelle spent two years in Montreal where she further expanded her skills on jazz flute, studying with Dave Gossage and spending a month in Cuba studying with the great Orlando ‘Maraca’ Valle. While in Canada Rachelle performed with well known jazz flutists Bill McBirnie and Billy Kerr amongst other local jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, hip hop and neo-soul musicians such as Kalmunity. Rachelle also spent 3 months living in New York where she sat in with groups such as the Groove Collective and performed around the city.
Teaching Info
Rachelle is a passionate flute teacher with over 17 years experience. What sets her apart is her strong foundation in both jazz and classical flute and her ability to teach a wide range of music. Her teaching style is friendly and fun, with the aim being to create self-fulfillment and self-directed results.
While overseas Rachelle maintained a healthy studio of students over skype and found this method of teaching to actually have some advantages over traditional methods. So even if you aren’t in Wellington you can take advantage of Rachelle’s unique skill set.
Rachelle has a strong emphasis on technique and uses an integrated approach, developing all aspects of musicianship. She does this using creative approaches which are fun and inspiring. Rachelle also teaches improvisation which is a fun creative outlet for students.