I was a student of Rachael's from age 5 until age 18, and I have to say, my experience learning cello from her was one of most positive developmental elements of my entire childhood. She not only did an exceptional job at channeling my energy into musical practice and performance, but also played an instrumental role in helping me develop as a student and human being. Unlike many teachers whom I'd meet at classical-music-related events throughout my childhood, Rachael is most focused on helping the student learn. Not on criticizing the child, disciplining the child, or turning the child into a neurotic competition-winning machine. The students of Rachael's who win competitions win because they love to play and practice, because Rachael has helped them understand how they can enjoy the cello as an artistic outlet in their lives. They get into top orchestras because it's what they have come to love. They wow audiences with their recitals because they're passionate and FEEL the music from the inside-out, not because perfect technique has been beaten into them against their will. Rachael puts her students first, and has an incredible way of sparking intrinsic motivation. She did that with me. I remember being five years old, wiggling around in my chair, wondering what I was doing in a cello studio when I'd rather be outside playing. But Rachael made the experience of learning "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" incredibly fun and exciting. I felt a sense of progress and accomplishment, and I felt the freedom to explore my emotions through the cello. This continued through the entire Suzuki series until I moved on from Suzuki at age 16 after learning and performing the advanced concertos. Rachael always fostered my development as a learner, and I always looked forward to cello lessons (even if I didn't always look forward to practicing my cello at home!!!). In today's age of standardized tests, no excuses for anything other than straight-A's, and "tiger mothers" singing their battle hymn (if you know what I mean), an unhealthfully-high degree of competition and stress is inevitable in a child's life. Which begs the question: do your child's extracurricular music lessons really have to be one more thing for them to dread? Or can they be something that lights a fire inside your child's soul and makes them come alive, to express themselves and find meaning through learning, progress, and creativity? If you subscribe to the latter, then consider Rachael's cello "dojo" a place for your child to excel and find meaning in life. For context, I'm now 26, married, and a father, and if I still lived in LA, I'd enroll my son with Rachael, because I'd want him to have the same experience I had. And in case my comments criticizing the standardized tests and college admissions cycle make me seem extreme, let me reassure you: I took SAT prep, I got into University of Chicago and went there, I don't play cello that much anymore but am thinking of taking it back up, I am a normal adult male now and am not an anti-success hippie; quite the contrary...what I believe is that Rachael's teachings enabled me to pursue whatever I WANTED to pursue...if I'd wanted to go to a music conservatory and become professional, Rachael was supportive of that, and if I wanted to go to an academic university and not become a professional cellist, she was supportive of that, too. All I'm saying is that her approach is one that is extremely healthy for a child, and I would totally do it all over again. read more

Our son studied cello with Rachael for 12 years and she was a great teacher. We always looked forward to lessons with Rachael because she was such a positive and encouraging force in his life. She helped him learn music and love music. She provides a comprehensive ecosystem of opportunities for her students, from private lessons, to group ensemble concerts, to access to major orchestras as well as recommendations on a wide variety of enrichment events, camps and more for students to take part in. Some of our happiest memories were the summer cello institutes with Rachael and cello competitions. She is an excellent communicator with parents, too. I always had a very clear understanding of where my son stood in his journey to become a cellist, and how much progress he was making. Rachael always gave me useful tips on how I, as his mom, could help encourage him to focus on certain things with regard to his posture, style, or certain musical pieces he was learning at a certain time. Rachael was a godsend for us and really made a big and positive impact on my son's development. I recommend her highly to any other parents. read more

I had been studying cello with Rachael for 7 years after receiving lessons from 3 other teachers and her excellence in teaching and communication was apparent right from the start. Although she is kind and understanding to students of all ages, she is firm in what she expects from every student and she pushes her students to strive for excellence. Outside of weekly private lessons, she works extremely hard to put together recitals, workshops, and ensembles to give her students confidence in front of large crowds (which has helped tremendously for my school experience) and experience working as a team. I had been privileged with the opportunity to perform a solo work with a professional orchestra in November of 2015 which was one of the most amazing, if not the most amazing, experiences of my life and it was all thanks to Rachael. I have had so many countless experiences and made so many friends that I will remember for the rest of my life thanks to Rachael and I give her the highest level of recommendation to anyone who wishes to start the cello. read more

Run, don't walk, to this inspiring and gifted cellist and teacher! My 13 year old daughter has studied with Rachael for several years and has greatly enjoyed the learning journey! She provides a wonderful mixture of holding a high standard for her students, while ensuring that their learning process is fun. The students are continually reaching new heights and moving along at a pace that holds their interest. In this over scheduled world our children are living in, it is easy to lose interest in an instrument, especially as a child enters their teen years. I believe that Rachael's teaching method creates a love of and dedication to the cello that carries the students through the times where it may be easy to give up. This is most always a decision that students look back on and regret. I feel blessed that my daughter found her way to Rachael, who has been instrumental in developing her ability to the degree that she now plays with the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in February! read more

My daughter studied beginning cello with Rachael. Being a professional cellist myself I was eager to watch the lessons and observe Rachael's teaching techniques. From the very beginning I was very impressed at how easily Rachael was able to work with my child, keeping her attention and presenting the perfect balance of challenge and reward even as a beginner. Rachael is patient. She really takes the time to know her students and has and incredible ability to create individualized study paths for each student. I recommended her to a friend who's daughter is currently studying with Rachael and absolutely loves her. Rachael also helps her students set and reach goals by providing all of her students multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year in solo, chamber and large ensemble recitals and concerts. With a library of resources and years of teaching experience I would recommend Rachael to any student, beginning, intermediate or advanced. read more

Rachael is the best cello teacher in the valley! When I first started playing an instrument I chose violin but, not only me, also my family couldn't stand the noise when I practiced, which was truly awful. Then, I began lessons with Rachael. I am only eleven years old but she always has treated me like an adult and inspired me to play cello. She has increased my overall knowledge of theory and has helped me read and play music with the right techniques and skills. We were very fortunate to have discovered her. Due to her training, I was able to enter the Advanced eighth grade orchestra at my middle school, and can play my assigned songs with ease. I have been studying with her for three years and she has helped me excel at cello! I feel lucky to have trained under Rachael. She always includes Masterclasses and many recitals for us to perform at. I intend to stay with Rachael for many more years to come. Chloe Burman read more

I started cello when I was 10 years old with Rachael and continued until I graduated high school. Rachael not only has the skill and technical ability to teach, but is a great listener, communicator, and makes lessons interesting and fun. She holds two recitals per year, one for ensembles and one for solo performances. The ensembles gave me the opportunity to work with and learn from other students in her studio, and solo recitals helped me become more detail-oriented and confident. I attribute a lot of my dedication and continuing love for cello to her. Now, I still continue playing in college (even though I'm not a music major). A lot of what I learned with Rachael from cello transcends to all other aspects of life, and I am forever grateful for her guidance and encouragement. She's a great instructor for students of all ages. read more

Rachael Lonergan is an incredible teacher. I have been studying with her for many years and she has really helped me become a better musician and have a better appreciation for the cello. I have a long commute to her house but I do it because I know that her teaching is completely worth it. If you or anyone that you know wishes to learn how to play the cello, I highly recommend going to Rachael for lessons. She is great with people of all ages and does an excellent job of teaching the necessary techniques while also letting her students develop at their own pace. Rachael is the best! read more

Our son studies with Rachael for the past 5 years. During this time we learned to appreciate Rachael as an amazing cello teacher. Her deep musical understanding, alongside with her great cello techniques methods are coming hand in hand with great teaching skills. Rachael understands that the only effective way to succeed in teaching is to understand and adopt to each student's needs, level and character. She is a great motivator and we saw great improvement in our son's cello playing and musical understanding. We HIGHLY recommend her! read more

I studied with Rachael for eleven years (age 7-18) and am now employed as a professional cellist in the Bay Area. I couldn't recommend Rachael more highly--she is an incredibly patient, dedicated, and inspiring instructor, and I very likely wouldn't have continued down this path if it weren't for her tutelage. She works extremely well with a wide range of ages and abilities and always finds unique ways to keep students engaged. If you're just beginning to learn the cello or have been playing for several years, look no further! read more

My son started since age of 4 with Rachel. One would need a lot of patience to teach 4 years old how to play cello. I've heard lot of stories about kids starting at early age and lose interest. I'm glad that didn't apply to my son because he's now been with Rachel for over 8 years and his desire to learn has been more than ever. I give lot of credit to Rachel for guiding him to be where he is now as a cellist. read more