When I look into after school activities for my kids I always start in Ossining. I’m already driving my oldest daughter to Logrea almost every day so staying local is key. I love that Ossining has a lot of after school options for kids and I was very happy to find out Ossining has a great music teacher specialized in Violin and Viola with a private studio right on Prospect Ave.
Rachel Alexander graduated from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, holds a MA in Music Education (K-12) from Hunter College and was a participant in the Starling-DeLay Symposium on Violin Studies at The Juilliard School. She offers private violin and/or viola lessons that are held in her home studio in Ossining, NY.
Violin and viola lessons are available throughout the year. Each lesson is by appointment only and is available for 30 min., 45 min., or 60 min. sessions. Discounted trial lessons (30 minutes) are also available throughout the year by appointment. All lessons are customized to the student’s individual needs and abilities.
Now, lets learn a little more about Rachel:
1. Tell us a bit about you
Hi there! I’m Rachel Alexander and I’m a classically trained violinist, with my MA in music education. I’m a born and bred New Yorker and I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else. My husband and I met in college at Purchase College Conservatory of Music where we were both music performance majors. I believe that our experience in college allowed us to ultimately find our home here in Westchester County. We have lived in Ossining for 11 years and truly love our home. We especially love sharing our lives with our toddler and our three cats. To us, our small family is everything!
2. Tell us about your business
Before I began teaching in my home studio, I taught at a music academy located on the other side of Westchester. Although I learned a great amount and truly enjoyed my time there, it was time for me to forge my own path. For me this meant I would slowly dedicate more time to my studio and less time to the music academy. My door officially opened in July of 2014.
As a classically trained musician, I offer private violin and viola lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. Throughout the year, recitals, workshops and classes are offered including NYSSMA scales and sight-reading workshops and Spring String Ensemble Day. Within our lessons, I pride myself on being able to cultivate positive relationships with my students through music and being able to create an atmosphere where they feel safe to fully express themselves.
3. What do you love about living and having your studio in Ossining?
One of the best things about Ossining is it’s proximity to wonderful concert venues, museums and all things arts! It is so easy to travel into the city to for a wide variety of cultural events. Going to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Broadway play or attending a performance at Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall are some of my favorite things to do. I also love that Westchester has some pretty amazing cultural events/venues too. My favorite music series, “Friends of Music,” always has world class classical musicians perform at either Sleepy Hallow or Ossining High School. I also love the Tarrytown Music Hall. All of these things allow me and my students the opportunities to grow as musicians and patrons of the arts.
4. FOR SOMEONE NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOUR BUSINESS: WHAT SERVICE DO YOU SUGGEST THEY TRY AND WHY?
I would suggest a discounted 30m trial lesson. All lessons will be customized to the student’s individual needs and abilities. Lessons may include technique building exercises including scales, rhythmic exercises, etudes, shifting and music from the standard repertoire. I also offer audition preparation for music festivals including NYSSMA, All-County and All-State. Recitals and performance opportunities will also be made available throughout the year.
Small chamber ensembles (duets, trios, etc.) may be formed as well. I love chamber music and one of my favorite events that we do every year is our Spring String Ensemble Day. My students and I get together and read through duets. This summer, I’m super excited for our first ever, weekly summer ensemble, The Singing Strings! For students who are interested in making music and want to see what it’s like to be part of my studio, this is the perfect opportunity!
Rachel’s Home Studio
Rachel talking to one of her online students
5. GIVE US YOUR BEST OSSINING TIP OR RECOMMENDATION
My favorite place in Ossining by far is the Ossining Public Library! I think the library is such a magically important part of our community, by providing us with such varied resources, lectures and concerts.
From their resume and homework help, language classes, performances and more, the library really does it all.
Throughout the years, I have truly enjoyed attending the OPL new parent group meetings and Mother Goose story time with my son. I also love shopping at all of their book sales! Until the pandemic, I held my Spring String Studio Recitals in the Budarz Theater. It’s such a perfect place for performances. Shout out to some of my favorite library people: James Trapasso, Guillermo Rodrigues and the divine Miss Trish.
The library is truly a magical place
Thanks Rachel for letting us visit your home and letting us learn a little more about you.
How to Support Rachel
- Visit Rachel’s website to learn more about her and what she does.
- Send her an email if you are interested in taking violin or viola lessons, or want your kids to learn. Her email is: ViolinRLA@aol.com
- Follow her on Facebook
- Follow her on Instagram
- Share this article with friends or family that might be interested in taking music lessons!