Rachel Buttress

Born and raised in Vancouver, Rachel Buttress’s musical education started at a young age. She began attending group music classes at the age of 4, piano lessons at the age of 7, and singing in choirs at the age of 9. Throughout elementary school Rachel played trumpet in band, and in high school she was a member of concert choir, jazz choir, and musical theatre. It was also in high school when Rachel taught herself to play guitar and achieved her Grade 8 in RCM piano. Rachel continued following her passion for music post secondary. She graduated with distinction from Mount Allison University with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance under the direction of Sally Dibblee. Prior to her degree Rachel achieved a Diploma of Music majoring in voice and a Conducting Certificate, both from Capilano University.

Along with music, Rachel has always had a passion for working with children and youth. She began running summer youth programs in 2011 where she would develop and execute curriculum and lead music. After obtaining her BMUS Rachel has steadily worked as a music instructor in the Vancouver and Squamish area. She teaches group music classes at the preschool level, and elementary age group piano and ukulele. During the past four summers Rachel has been musical director for a youth theatre program called Broadway or Bust. Rachel also teaches private instruction to all ages in ukulele, voice, and piano, and her students have won awards at the Howe Sound Music Festival.

Rachel has been an accomplished solo performer for the past decade. A highly acclaimed Oratorio singer, she has performed the soprano solos for masterworks including Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, and Handel’s Dixit Dominus with full orchestra. Rachel is often sought out as soloist for public events and has sung with prestigious local ensembles such as the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s Focus! and the Laudate Singers, regularly as a featured soloist. Currently Rachel is studying voice with Diane King.