Rachael Elizabeth Kistler began her violin studies at the age of two in Hickory, NC with Suzuki teacher, Paula Zimmerman. At eight years of age, Rachael began her studies outside of the Suzuki method with North Carolina Symphony Concertmaster, Brian Reagin. Miss Kistler has also studied with Jacques Israelievitch, Xiaoqing Yu, and has participated in numerous masterclasses with artists and teachers such as Evan Wilson, Aaron Berofsky, Vivian Hornik-Weilerstein, Charles Castleman, Almita Vamos, and Ilya Kaler. While at the Cleveland Institute, Rachael studied with David Updegraff and participated in chamber-music coachings with Peter Saliff and the Cavani Quartet. Miss Kistler has attended the Chautauqua Music Festival as a full-scholarship recipient for three summers, and made her professional debut with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as a winner of the Symphony's concerto competition in 2005. She is currently the Assistant Concertmaster of the Western Piedmont Symphony, a member of the Asheville Symphony, and performs regularly with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Miss Kistler currently resides in Asheville, NC and enjoys reading, cooking, and is an active volunteer with Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

With Biltmore Estate weddings to her credit, and as a former entertainer at the Grove Park Inn, Rachael will be delighted to work with you to make your event a memorable one. Book Rachael for your corporate or private event, wedding ceremony, or as a strolling violinist in your restaurant. For an experience that is sure to please all musical tastes, book Rachael's group "Soul Sessions", a modern ensemble comprised of violin, keyboard, and voice whose repertoire includes a vast array of classical, jazz, crossover, and pop selections. "Soul Sessions" is comprised of: Rachael Kistler- violin, Betsy Kistler- piano/keyboard, and Nathan Kistler- vocals.