About Rachel Westerlund
Rachel has been passionately involved in music from a young age, starting piano at the age of 4 and began teaching and accompanying by the time she reached 8th grade. This early start laid the foundation for a deep commitment to both performance and education. Rachel studied Music Therapy at Illinois State University, which has enriched her teaching approach by blending technical proficiency with a focus on the emotional and cognitive benefits of music. She has a deep passion for teaching and believes in fostering a love of music in students of all ages and abilities, creating a supportive and encouraging environment that promotes growth and creativity. Whether working with beginners or more advanced players, Rachel encourages students to reach their full potential by blending fundamental piano techniques with fun and engaging lessons. Outside of the academy, Rachel continues to share her love of music through community involvement and collaborations with other musicians, remaining dedicated to the lifelong journey of musical growth and exploration.
When she’s not teaching, Rachel is a communication/marketing manager, providing social media, marketing, and web design services to smaller family-owned businesses and nonprofits. She enjoys hand embroidery, crocheting, reading, and listening to podcasts during her downtime
