Rachel Spencer

Rachel Spencer is proud to join the UT Jazz Department as a TA while pursuing a D.M.A. in jazz trumpet performance where she will serve as the Lead TA for Jazz Appreciation and teach a Jazz Combo. Known for her stylistic prowess and expressive tone, trumpeter Rachel Spencer has had a diverse and fulfilling career. As a performer and educator, her music has afforded her many travel opportunities: She has performed at TMEA, OMEA, the Tanglewood Music Center, has toured Hong Kong as a featured performer in the Chinese New Year Parade, was a featured soloist as a touring member of the Bluecoats during their gold, silver, and bronze medal shows, and was a graduate solo division semifinalist in the 2019 National Trumpet Competition. A passionate and dedicated educator, Rachel is deeply committed to music education: She has years of experience as a band director, private lesson teacher, clinician, and serves as Education Coordinator for the Bluecoats Soundsport team, Rhythm in Blue. During her Master's at the University of Texas at Austin, she was a graduate assistant for the University Bands and the Director of the Longhorn Jazz Ensemble. She has served on faculty at the Longhorn Music Camp, Texas Jazz and Blues Camp, works Production Central at the Jazz Education Network Conference and serves as Associate Director of the New School of Music, Austin while maintaining a full private studio and clinician schedule. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capital University, and a Master of Music in Music and Human Learning from UT Austin. During her free time she enjoys reading, exercise, and spending time with her partner.