Rachel Gawell Burns

Cellist Rachel Gawell Burns distinguishes herself by pairing a rigorous conservatory skill set with expanding what is possible on her instrument. Rachel studied classical cello with a focus on contemporary repertoire at Peabody Conservatory and Rotterdams Conservatorium (The Netherlands). She performs regularly on Broadway in Six and has been a part of Waitress, Frozen, and Funny Girl as a sub musician. Rachel’s cello playing can be heard on the A24 film “Problemista”, Lady Lamb’s album “In The Mammoth Nothing of the Night”, and many other recordings.

Born and raised in Maryland, Rachel began studying violin at age 4 and switched to cello at age 8 when she discovered she liked the low notes better. As a preteen she was accepted into Peabody Preparatory and Baltimore School for the Arts, and began studying with National Symphony Orchestra’s principal cellist David Hardy. Rachel participated in prestigious music institutes including The Fontainebleau Schools, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Encore School for Strings, Henry Mancini Institute, and Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Rachel Gawell Burns has served as a teaching artist in New York City through several organizations including the New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers program and is currently cello faculty for Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She is committed to paying forward what she has received from her teachers and fostering a love of music in the next generation.