Violinist Beca Rathlef, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is an avid chamber musician and wellness enthusiast. She currently teaches violin for beginners through pre-college in the Zona Norte. She appreciates bringing the violin in non-traditional styles and genres to non-traditional places, according to the student’s goals and needs.
After learning about Alexander Technique while recovering from a shoulder injury in her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong focus on students' health and well-being while playing.
Beca holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of São Paulo, where she studied under Eliane Tokeshi. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst under the guidance of Professor Elizabeth Chang.
Her most recent degree is a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Memphis, where she studied with Timothy Shiu. Her dissertation focused on applying Alexander Technique in the practice of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. She was under the Judith and Sheldon Korones Memorial Fellowship, which provided her with the opportunity to perform with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
During her doctoral studies, she served as Adjunct Violin Professor at Union University in Jackson, TN; taught Suzuki violin at the Germantown Baptist Church Conservatory; performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra; and worked as Assistant Music Director at Crosstown Arts.
At Crosstown Arts, Beca assisted the Music Director with tasks such as organizing events, managing shows, managing social media and website pages, backstage show logistics, and system development for data organization.
In her free time, Beca enjoys playing board games and taking walks with her dog.
About
Trainings
Suzuki Certified Teacher
The Suzuki Method explores the natural ability of any child to learn their mother tongue through listening. With patience, a similar approach can be applied to music and violin playing.
Body Awareness for Musicians©
Rebeca recently graduated from the course Body Awareness for Musicians© by Eleni Vosniadou. The training aims to help musicians develop a deeper understanding of their physical and emotional experiences while performing, with the goal of enhancing their overall well-being and artistic expression.
Eleni Vosniadou is a renowned expert in the field of somatic psychology and its applications in the performing arts. Her course provides musicians with practical techniques and strategies for cultivating self-awareness, managing performance anxiety, and optimizing their physical and mental states for optimal performance.
Through a combination of theoretical lectures, experiential exercises, and group discussions, the Body Awareness for Musicians course equips participants with the tools to better understand and regulate their bodily sensations, emotions, and thought patterns. By fostering this deeper level of self-knowledge, teachers in training can develop more sustainable and fulfilling musical practices, ultimately enhancing their artistry and stage presence.
