As a passionate and experienced educator in popular music, Rhian specializes in teaching songwriting, pop music theory, contemporary voice, and performance.
Her journey as an educator began with facilitating popular music ensembles, where she coached middle school students in collaborative musicianship, arrangement, and performance. From there, she expanded her private studio to include popular voice instruction and later songwriting, centering student identity, creative expression, and accessibility at every stage.
Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Teaching and Learning at USC’s Thornton School of Music, having recently completed her Master’s in Popular Music Teaching and Learning at USC. She also brings extensive field experience through projects with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony and Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project, where she has developed curricula, facilitated songwriting workshops, and supported large-scale educational initiatives. With additional expertise in multimedia production, nonprofit arts programming, and the cultural history of popular music, she offers a multidimensional, reflective approach to teaching songwriting, popular music theory, and popular music history.
Rhian believes wholeheartedly in music’s capacity to connect, inspire, and transform. This belief—shaped by both personal experience and academic research—drives her commitment to making music education relevant and engaging. Whether reimagining a theory curriculum to better reflect the practices of popular musicians or supporting students in expressing their identities through songwriting, she strives to create spaces where all learners feel seen and empowered.
Private Lessons
Rhian offers private lessons to students of all abilities and levels in Popular Voice, Songwriting, Popular Performance, and Music Theory. Each session is tailored to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning environment. Whether coaching a band or co-writing lyrics with a student for the first time, Rhian prioritizes building inclusive, affirming spaces where diverse learners feel valued and empowered to explore their artistic voices. She specialize in the vocal stylings of popular music, including Singer-Songwriter, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Soul, and Rock. Lessons are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and are available in packages of 4, 6, or 8 sessions, with discounts offered for college students. If you are interested in learning more about private instruction, please reach out to rhianbristolmusic@gmail.com.
Testimonials
I highly recommend lessons with Rhian if you are interested in improving your vocal performance! Rhian has worked with me on specific songs prior to concerts and has truly helped me step up my game — she gave me the skills to hit high notes with confidence and precision, to project my voice and fill the room, and to dial in the tone of my vocals to suit my artistic expression. - Alice Luke
Rhian makes working on songs such an easy and professional process. You feel like you’re working with a friend who wants to help you succeed and also a seasoned artist with great suggestions, feedback, and knowledge of the craft. Truly a personable and knowledgeable professional. - Derrick Pough