Michelle Rahn

Violist Michelle Rahn enjoys a career that balances teaching and performing. As Senior Lecturer of Viola at Central Washington University, Dr. Rahn works to inspire curiosity; form healthy, efficient and musical players; and provide all the tools necessary to continue learning after graduation. She also works with youth, and maintains a private teaching studio. As a performer, Dr. Rahn is an active soloist, freelancer and chamber musician. She has performed in China, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Bermuda and across the US. She enjoys premiering new works and has recently performed pieces by Sami Seif, Andrew Sigler, and Jiyoun Chung. Dr. Rahn can be seen around Washington state performing with the Kairos Ensemble.

Dr. Rahn studied violin and viola at the University of Oregon. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts, Performance Diploma and Master's degree from Boston University. Her primary teachers were Michelle LaCourse, Edward Gazouleas, Leslie Straka and Steven Ansell.

Previous appointments include teaching positions at University of Oregon School of Music and Chemeketa Community College.

During the summer, Dr. Rahn taught and performed at festivals including: International Chamber Music Course in Positano, Italy; the Community Music Center Chamber Music Program in Portland, Oregon; the Lake Chelan Bach Festival Quartet; the Boston University Tanglewood Institute; the Siletz Bay Music Festival; and the Astoria Music Festival.

Dr. Rahn approaches every pursuit with creative, positive energy. In her free time, Michelle enjoys baking, puzzling, gardening and traveling with her husband, two young children and dog, Bela Barktok.