Rachelle Eastwood
About
Rachelle is one of New Zealand’s most versatile flutists. She started playing flute at the age of 10 and graduated from Massey University with a Bachelors of Music in classical performance flute. After a number of years working as a freelance classical musician, working with Orchestra Wellington and the New Zealand Airforce band, Rachelle returned to university to complete a Graduate Diploma of Jazz at the New Zealand School of Music, studying with trumpeter Lex French.
Rachelle has played with some of New Zealand’s top Jazz musicians including John Rae and the Troubles and Jonathan Crayford. She has also worked as a studio musician recording for film, documentaries and on various albums.
Rachelle spent two years in Montreal where she further expanded her skills on jazz flute, studying with Dave Gossage and spending a month in Cuba studying with the great Orlando ‘Maraca’ Valle. While in Canada Rachelle performed with well known jazz flutists Bill McBirnie and Billy Kerr amongst other local jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, hip hop and neo-soul musicians.
Rachelle is passionate teacher and has been teaching the flute for over 17 years. What sets her apart from other teachers is her strong foundation in both jazz and classical flute and her ability to teach a wide range of music. Her teaching style is friendly and fun, with the aim being to create self-fulfillment and self-directed results.
BMus Classical flute, Grad.Dip Jazz flute, LTCL performance flute