Rachael Keplin

I'm Rachael, and I'm a violist and string educator currently based in Greensboro, North Carolina. I fill my professional basket with practice, rehearsals, teaching, writing, and performing. When I'm not with my instrument, I love to spend my time running, cooking, and enjoying moments with friends and family.

I spent most of my childhood and young adulthood in Atlanta, GA. My parents worked in the business field and loved to listen to country music and classic rock. We have very fond memories of singing in the car and dancing in the living room to our favorite songs. I was able to put my love for music into something tangible when I chose to play viola in middle school. I have an incredibly wide range of ages in my studio. I strongly believe that no matter what age one starts their musical education, they can enjoy learning and achieve success through hard work and a supportive, positive environment.

​

My grade school created a day where students could browse orchestra, band, and choir. After surveying a number of instruments, I was lured by handfuls of extra  M&M's to play the viola! This story is both special and funny to me because the circumstances of my choosing the viola are much like my relationship with music: serendipitous and lighthearted. Shortly after, my parents took me to rent my very first viola. I remember sitting on the floor of my dad's office trying to make the instrument sound with the bow - an un-rosined bow! I was puzzled why I couldn't get a beautiful sound within my first few minutes! 

 

I was very fortunate to have not one, but three first-year classroom string teachers. I enjoyed school orchestra because I was able to socialize with friends and enjoyed being inspired by my passionate and energetic teachers. I was 1 of about 80 children in my school orchestra and never pursued private instruction. Even though I lacked the experience one gains from private instruction, I was given extra support by my classroom teachers and was able to pursue a degree in viola performance.

​

​

​

 

My relationship with music and viola changed drastically during college. I was fueled by my hard-working colleagues to visit the practice rooms as much as possible. I built meaningful relationships with fellow musicians and artists through ensemble, teaching, and performance opportunities. My undergraduate teacher, Dr. Cathy Lynn, was an inspiring performer, teacher, and mentor. She introduced me to the world of viola literature and pedagogy and through those studies, I found my career passion.

After completing my undergraduate, I applied for graduate studies in string pedagogy. I moved to Columbus, OH to study with Dr. Robert Gillespie and Dr. Juliet White-Smith and further developed and nurtured my love for teaching and viola performance.

Since graduation, I have been building my professional career and network through teaching and performing in Columbus area. Youth and audience education and outreach have become the core of my passion for music. My goal is to continue creating and involving myself in projects that connect music with a variety of ages and audiences. 

​

After an amazing eight years in Columbus, I have decided to pursue my Doctorate of Musical Arts in Viola Performance. My time away from school strengthened my love for teaching and performing and lead me to want to do this and more at the collegiate level. I am excited to explore the music and culture of Greensboro, North Carolina and continue my path as an artist.

​