Rachel Hargroder is a classical music artist who has made a name for herself in the world of music. Born on May 12, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Rachel grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her parents were both musicians, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion for music from a young age. Rachel started playing the piano when she was just four years old. She showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly progressed to more advanced pieces. By the time she was eight years old, Rachel was already performing in public, and her talent was evident to all who heard her play. As Rachel grew older, she continued to develop her skills as a pianist. She studied under some of the best teachers in the country, including Dr. Kenneth Drake, Dr. John Salmon, and Dr. Richard Dowling. Rachel's dedication to her craft paid off, and she soon began to win awards and accolades for her performances. One of Rachel's most significant achievements came in 2008 when she won the Louisiana Music Teachers Association's Young Artist Competition. This competition is highly competitive and attracts some of the best young musicians in the state. Rachel's performance was outstanding, and she was awarded first place in the competition. Rachel's success in the Young Artist Competition opened up many doors for her. She was invited to perform at various events and concerts throughout the state, and her reputation as a talented pianist began to spread. In 2010, Rachel was invited to perform at the Louisiana Governor's Mansion, where she played for Governor Bobby Jindal and other dignitaries. Rachel's talent as a pianist continued to grow, and she began to receive invitations to perform at events outside of Louisiana. In 2012, she was invited to perform at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy in Chicago. This conference is one of the most prestigious events in the world of classical music, and Rachel's performance was well-received by the audience. In 2013, Rachel was awarded a scholarship to attend the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina. This center is one of the most respected music schools in the country, and Rachel was thrilled to have the opportunity to study there. During her time at the Brevard Music Center, Rachel worked with some of the best teachers in the country and honed her skills as a pianist. Rachel's hard work and dedication paid off in 2014 when she was awarded the prestigious Presser Foundation Award. This award is given to outstanding music students who show exceptional talent and promise. Rachel was the first student from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to receive this award, and it was a significant achievement for her. In 2015, Rachel graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. She had already established herself as one of the most talented young pianists in the country, and her future in the world of classical music looked bright. After graduating, Rachel continued to perform at various events and concerts throughout the country. She also began to teach piano to young students, passing on her knowledge and passion for music to the next generation of musicians. In 2018, Rachel released her debut album, "Impressions." The album features a collection of classical pieces that showcase Rachel's talent as a pianist.

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