Rachel Halvorson

Rachel Halvorson currently enjoys a career as a freelance violist and dedicated music teacher based in Houston, Texas. Most recently, she served as an acting section violist in 2023 with the San Diego Symphony. Previously, Rachel spent four seasons as the principal violist for the Sarasota Orchestra and the Sarasota String Quartet.

During the summer months, Rachel assumes the role of principal viola at Music in the Mountains in Durango, Colorado, as well as participating as a soloist and chamber musician. Rachel has had the pleasure of performing with orchestras such as the Houston, Cincinnati, San Antonio, and Jacksonville Symphonies, as well as KINETIC ensemble, the Florida Orchestra and the Boston Symphony through the Tanglewood Music Center.

Rachel is dedicated to teaching and has supported students in successful auditions for all-region orchestras and solo competitions across the country. Her teaching experience includes working with Youth Orchestras in San Antonio and Sarasota, as well as coaching at the Rice Preparatory Program. Rachel holds Suzuki certification for teaching book 1 and values incorporating the Suzuki method to build students’ confidence and comfort while playing their instruments. She believes that playing an instrument is a lifelong source of joy and a meaningful connection to one's community.

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Peter Slowik and completed her Master of Music at Rice University, where she served as a Teaching Assistant to Ivo Jan van Der Werff.