About Rachel
Internationally known mezzo-soprano Rachel Velarde began her music career at the Indiana University School of Music in the IU Children’s Choir (under the direction of Jean Sinor and Mary Goetze) and the IU Young Pianists’ Program (studying with Karen Taylor). After receiving her B.A. in Music from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, Rachel earned two Master of Music degrees (one each in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy) at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Luminaries Rachel has worked with include Franc d’Ambrosio, Vernon Hartman, James Caraher, Lorenzo Malfatti, Shirlee Emmons, Mary Sue Hyatt, John Sikora, David Jones, Kamal Khan, James Marvel, Sherrill Milnes, Hugh Keelan, David Britton, and Carol Smith.
After a 2008 performance tour of Italy (performing Frugola in Il Tabarro, Zita in Gianni Schicchi and La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica, as well as opera scenes & oratorio solos), Rachel continues to perform regularly with Arizona Opera, Scottsdale Musical Arts and various ensembles around Arizona. Rachel was a finalist in the 2009 Giulio Gari Foundation International Vocal Competition (NYC), was the first place Arizona winner at the 2008 National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA) competition, and won First Place in the 2008 Arizona NATS Student Auditions Doctoral Division.
Rachel teaches an active studio of singers of all ages who regularly perform as well as compete in competitions. Past students are current vocal majors at schools such as. In the 2010-2011 school year she will have former students as vocal music majors at the University of Southern California, Marymount College (NYC), Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Rachel continues to explore and improve her own voice through regular practice, lessons (with Mary Sue Hyatt), and performances around the Valley.
Rachel is active in the Arizona Valley of the Sun chapter of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) as the incoming President for the 2010-2011 School Year, the local AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) Union as the current secretary/treasurer, and is a member of both MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) and NYSTA (New York Singing Teachers Association). She is also the recipient of the NATS 2010 Independent Teacher Fellowship and attended the 2010 National Conference, “Echoes of Song,” in Salt Lake City.
Contact Rachel through the “Contact Rachel” tab on this website.
