About Rachael James

Rachael James has enjoyed playing violin and viola since an early age. She started playing the violin at age 4 and the viola at age 9. Ms. James, under Linda Embser performed her first big Suzuki concert at Carnegie Hall at age 6. Pursuing her love of violin Ms. James studied at the University of Hartford Community Division under Teri Einfeldt.

As a violist, Ms. James was principal for the Connecticut Youth Symphony and a participant in the Connecticut All-State Music Festival for 4 years. She also held the principal position in the Hartt Viola Tour Group on their trips to Switzerland, France, and the 14th Suzuki Method World Convention in Italy. During the summers she attended music festivals such as The Quartet Program at Bucknell, The NSO Summer Music Institute, and the Aspen Music Festival studying under esteemed violists Victoria Chang, James Dunham, and Atar Arad.

Rachael James received her Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Stephen Wyrczynski. While attending the Peabody Conservatory of Music Ms. James held a private studio of five violin and viola students implementing the Suzuki Method of teaching. In teaching, Rachael emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, attending live classical performances, and providing an encouraging, nurturing teaching environment with immense achievement.

While conforming to the Suzuki Method of Teaching, Ms. James understands that each students needs are individualized and writes lesson plans based on those specific needs. In her lessons, Rachael implements exercises in sight-reading and ear training as well as music history lessons on the pieces being taught. Continuing to follow her passion for performing and teaching violin and viola, Ms. James is currently a degree candidate for a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. Most important to Rachael in her approach to music is to share her passion so that others may enjoy the same passion of music for themselves.