Emily Rach Beisel is a Chicago-based improviser, composer, educator, curator and woodwind specialist.  Beisel is known for visceral performances combining extended instrumental techniques with heavy amplification and timbral effects.  Their solo work frequently explores the intersection between avant-garde art music and extreme metal genres such as mathcore, doom, and death metal.  As a curator, Beisel seeks to increase the visibility and involvement of femme, trans and nonbinary artists in the creative music community.  They founded the Pleiades Series at Elastic Arts, presenting monthly performances along with a community-based free improvisation jam for femme and nonbinary performers.  


Rach Beisel is a member of the contemporary ensemble Fonema Consort, touring most recently in Brazil, Mexico, Minneapolis and New York and premiering works of living composers including James Dillon, Richard Barrett and Julio Estrada.  Rach Beisel also works as a woodwind doubler at Chicago-land theaters including the Marriott Theater, Paramount Theater and multiple productions with Chicago's feminist Firebrand Theater Company.  As an educator, Rach Beisel maintains a private studio in addition to teaching positions at Harold Washington College and Oak Park School of Music


Rach Beisel holds a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 10-208.      



Photo credits: Ricardo E. Adame