∫ | Lessons
My name is Rachel Sliker and I have been teaching violin and viola lessons in the Boulder area since 2008. I teach out of my home in East Boulder, a short distance from most parts of Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, and Longmont.
My students are children and adults, and all skill levels are welcome. I am eager to work with each individual’s interests and learning styles, and I aim to inspire by finding what motivates each student, then nurturing their curiosity and passion. I am a holistic teacher, aspiring to include all aspects of the body, mind, and spirit into violin playing. I strive for myself and my students to become fully embodied violinists and violists.
I am also a certified Suzuki violin teacher. Like pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki, I believe that young children learn best when they are “nurtured by love,” and when they learn music the way their native language is learned: aurally, and with the love and support of their parents and teacher.
Here are a few things of the things I typically teach during lessons:
Standard classical repertoire
Scales, arpeggios and etudes
Improvisation
Music theory
Fiddle tunes (Irish, Old-Time, Bluegrass)
Playing by ear
Reading music
Transcribing and learning covers of pop songs
Music games (especially for, but not limited to children)
∫ | Bio
My life as a musician began with Suzuki violin lessons at the age of five. After growing up in Colorado Springs, where I played with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony for 10 years, I earned my bachelor's degree in violin performance from The University of Colorado, Boulder. While attending CU I studied with Oswald Lehnert and Judith Ingolfssohn. Since graduating in 2008 I have been teaching lessons and playing with symphonies, string quartets and indie rock bands across the Front Range. I have recorded and performed with many artists and groups including Gregory Alan Isakov, Nathaniel Rateliff, Leif Vollebekk, Esme Patterson, Princess Music, and Jeff and Paige. I have appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Late Late Show with James Corden and NPR's tiny desk concert. Currently I am a member of the Fort Collins Symphony and the folk-americana band The River Arkansas. When I am not teaching I enjoy writing songs, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
∫ | CONTACT
Phone | 719-201-7918
Email | rachel.sliker@gmail.com