One-on-One Artist Strategy Sessions
- A capella
- In-Person Classes
- Pop
- Roots
- Singer/Songwriter
*THESE LESSONS WILL BE IN-PERSON*
Once registered, please email School of Music Manager, Rachel Sumner at rachel@passim.org to schedule your time slot.
These personalized coaching sessions are designed for musicians at any stage—whether you are just beginning to share your music or already performing and releasing work independently. No matter where you are in your journey, Rachel will meet you where you are and help create a strategy that fits your experience, goals, and resources.
Over the course of five in-person 30-minute meetings, Rachel will work with you to assess your current position, identify opportunities for growth, and develop an actionable plan. Before the first session, you will receive a short survey to outline your goals and challenges, ensuring that the sessions start with a clear direction. Topics in coaching sessions may include (but are certainly not limited to!):
Booking and promotion plans
Creating an effective electronic press kit (EPK)
Pitching your music to publications and radio
Developing an album or single release plan
Navigating DIY distribution
With experience leading a band, independently releasing three albums, and advising other artists on their releases, Rachel will provide practical guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are seeking structure, accountability, or a clearer path forward, you will leave these sessions with the tools and confidence to take your next steps.
Please note: Limited to students 18 yrs of age or older; Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Sales end 2 hour before the first lesson of the night begins. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.
SPRING I 2025 SEMESTER:
TUESDAYS: March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8
5:25 – 5:55
6:00 – 6:30
6:35 – 7:05
7:10 – 7:40
7:45 – 8:15
8:20 – 8:50
Rachel Sumner
- Acoustic
- Americana
- Folk
- Guitar
- Singer/Songwriter
Rachel Sumner is an award-winning songwriter, singer, and educator whose work bridges the worlds of folk, bluegrass, and chamber Americana. A classically trained musician turned Americana songwriter, Sumner first made her mark as a co-founder of the genre-bending roots group Twisted Pine before launching her solo career. Her lyric-driven songs, known for their intricate melodies and evocative storytelling, have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition win and the Lennon Award in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. In 2024, her original compositions and reimagined folk arrangements were archived at the Library of Congress following a live performance and oral history interview.
As a performer, Sumner has captivated audiences across the country, both as a solo artist and with her band, Traveling Light. Her music transcends folk conventions, blending poetic storytelling, lush harmonies, and dynamic instrumental interplay with the virtuosic talents of her bandmates, Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass). Whether in an intimate listening room or on a festival stage, Sumner’s performances invite listeners into richly woven sonic landscapes.
Beyond the stage, Sumner is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping artists find their voice—both literally and figuratively. She specializes in songwriting, vocal technique, and music business coaching, guiding students in developing their craft, refining their artistic identity, and navigating the realities of a career in music. She has taught at WUMB’s Summer Acoustic Music Week and Winter Weekend programs, as well as privately and at the Passim School of Music. Drawing from her own experience as an independent artist, Sumner empowers songwriters and performers with the tools they need to build sustainable, fulfilling careers while staying true to their artistic vision.
