Rachel Suzanne (she/her) is a Vancouver-based performer, conductor, and music educator with over ten years of experience working with singers of all ages and experience levels. She maintains a thriving private teaching studio and serves as Trainee Conductor of the Vancouver Bach Children’s Choirs (VBCC) under the mentorship of Marisa Gaetanne. She is also the Artistic Director of VBCC’s Piccolinis, a newly formed ensemble dedicated to introducing young singers to the joy of choral music. Across her work as a performer, conductor, and educator, Rachel is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming musical environments and fostering the deep connections that music can create within ourselves and with one another.

Rachel was one of the inaugural students of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music’s Performance Preparatory Programme, studying under Diane King. She went on to earn a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the University of British Columbia, studying voice with Marisa Gaetanne and opera direction with Nancy Hermiston. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, where she studied under Canadian soprano Sally Dibblee, as well as a Diploma of Music and a Conducting Certificate from Capilano University.

As a performer, Rachel is at home on concert, recital, and operatic stages. Her solo repertoire includes Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, and Handel’s Messiah. Her operatic credits include Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park, Gianetta in The Gondoliers, the Brothel Keeper in Shadow Catch, and Frau Fluth in Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor. She has also appeared with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in several of their Traditional Christmas Concerts.

Rachel’s passion for performance is matched by her dedication to teaching. Drawing on her professional performance experience, she helps students develop sustainable technique while encouraging curiosity, creativity, confidence, and play. Whether preparing for an audition, exploring a new style, or simply singing for the joy of it, Rachel strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment. Her goal is for students not only to develop strong musical skills, but also to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment that extends well beyond music.