Rachel Turgoose
Owner
Rachel Madeleine Turgoose is a dynamic music educator, performer, and entrepreneur dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education. She is the founder of RMT Music, an innovative music education company that partners with school districts and serves students nationwide through both in-person and virtual instruction. Her work focuses on building confident, expressive musicians through practical, engaging, and student-centered teaching.
At Texas State University, Rachel brings energy, artistry, and real-world experience into the classroom. With a strong passion for jazz voice and contemporary vocal styles, she is committed to developing versatile singers who are technically grounded, stylistically fluent, and creatively empowered. Her teaching emphasizes consistency, artistry, and performance readiness—equipping students with the tools they need to succeed both on stage and beyond it.
In addition to her university work, Rachel has built a growing national presence in online music education. Through virtual lessons, digital courses, and live support programs, she has helped beginners and advancing musicians alike overcome fear, build skills, and rediscover the joy of making music. Her programs are known for being accessible, supportive, and results-driven.
Whether performing, teaching, or designing curriculum, Rachel’s mission remains the same: to make exceptional music education approachable, inspiring, and transformative for every student she works with.
admin@rmtmusic.com
Elizabeth Thigpen
Director of Operations
Elizabeth’s extensive experience in individual instruction and voice pedagogy along with her professional performances has led her to become the Director of Operations of Choir at RMT Music, where she works alongside Choir Directors to provide exceptional instruction to all levels. Opera performances includes H.M.S. Pinafore, Hansel and Gretel, The Old Man and the Thief, and participation in the world premier of Lady Bird: First Lady of the Land. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas State University.
The Instructors
Flute: Paige De La O, Ixchel Betancourt, Lacy Reid, Molly Damitio
Clarinet: Rachel Turgoose, Derek Thigpen, Emily Peterson, Nathan Richey
Oboe: Ryan Hirokawa, Mika Valenzuela, Roman Lomas
Bassoon: Lauren Newby
Saxophone: Rachel Turgoose, Derek Thigpen, Anthony Soriano, Grant Teeple, Javier Vasquez, Trevor Gonzalez
Trumpet: Sparky Thomason, Alex Szabo, Andrew Morales, Austin Johanning, Haile Uriarte
French Horn: LaNetra Carther, Cordell Foulk, Nicoletta Pignatello
Low Brass: Sam Irvine, David Warriner, Roosevelt Bradley, Jordan Jacques, Matt Acosta
Percussion: Andres Montez, Cassie Baker, Israel Yanez, Joshua Reece, Paulo Zambarano
Upper Strings: Luis Aponte, Alicia Rubio
Lower Strings: Derek Thigpen, Mercedes Solis
Voice: Elizabeth Thigpen, Andres Ojeda, Charlotte Lovaas-Haynes
Jazz Voice: Rachel Turgoose
Piano: Tyler Rouse, Derek Thigpen
Guitar: Dallas Anderson
Piano Accompanist Coordinator: Tyler Rouse
We’re artists and performers. We get it.
Studying the arts is about much more than mastering your craft. The Fine Arts cultivate essential skills that students can apply to all aspects of their life, including self confidence, coordination, and concentration (just to name a few!). We are here to help students cultivate their creative side and become the best possible versions of themselves. It’s that simple.