Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebeca Rathlef.
Rebeca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I recently finished my Doctoral degree in Musical Arts at the University of Memphis, but let’s go back to the beginning.
I started playing violin with my family – my grandfather was a musician. I soon was introduced to the Suzuki method by Prof. Fabio dos Santos. It was at the Suzuki Campinas School that I fostered my first experiences with playing in a group. I had so much fun playing the arrangements of brazilian songs with the orchestra!
My violin studies continued by commuting to Sao Paulo during my high school, under the instruction of Elisa Fukuda.
I moved to São Paulo when I won my first orchestra seat with the Orquestra Experimental de Repertorio. I always enjoyed playing with a group, playing with friends and spending time creating music together. Later, I was accepted at the University of Sao Paulo to pursue a music performance degree.
But the path was not always roses. An injury in my sophomore year led me to a complete stop for three months for phisiotherapy and recuperation. With the help of my professor Eliane Tokeshi and Eleni Vosniadou, I was able to finish my degree.
Growing up in a small city in Brazil, I always dreamed of studying abroad. On my junior year, I met Prof. Elizabeth Chang, who a year later, offered me a assistantship to pursue my masters degree at UMass Amherst.
By Professor Chang’s introduction, I met Profeesor Timothy Shiu, who offered me an assistanship alongside with the MSO fellowship to pursue my doctorate at UofM. Still very passionate about musicians health and injury prevention, I focused my dissertation on the application of movement efficiency and physochphysical methods to the violin.
At UofM, I met Trevor, who has been the best companion in all these adventures. We just celebrated our second wedding anniversary! Our family grew with the addition of Caju (kah-JOO), a mini goldendoodle that brings smiles everywhere she goes.
I finished my MSO fellowship last year, completing three years of learning with the amazing professionals at the orchestra. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform onstage with world renown artists.
Since last year, I have worked on teaching beginners and college-level students, while persuing Alexander Technique courses for musicians.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road wasn’t always easy. My shoulder injury during my undergraduate studies has been an ongoing challenge. I had professional help from doctors, phisiotherapists, and violin teachers, and now I understand a little bit more about the complexity that is the human body in motion. It is very fascninating to me that just by changing my mindset, I can change the way I understand the movement of muscles and articulations, thus changing the way I play, and ultimately my sound and how I express my music.
Facing the challenges of being away from my home country wasn’t always easy, but led me to meet wonderful and inspiring friends along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a violinist, both performing and teaching. I teach a wide range of ages, from beginners through college level. I am very proud of all my achievements, especially my academic ones. I believe what distinguishes me is my passion to help musicians find the most efficient way to play the violin.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A book that has recently inspired me is “Non violent communication”, by Marshall Rosemberg. It has taught me so much about listening to people around me!
I used Adobe Fresco to illustrate some of the images and charts for my dissertation, and I had the most fun using it! I was happy when my advisor mentioned finding an alternative for copyright issues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rebecarathlef.com
- Instagram: rebeca.rathlef.violin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebecaRathlef/
Image Credits
Wandering creative – family photo
Harris Beauchamp – Headshot
