Rachel Spencer

Trumpeter Rachel Spencer is a jazz artist, composer, and educator whose original music blends the melodic language of post-bop with contemporary grooves and modern jazz improvisation. Drawing inspiration from artists including Blue Mitchell, Kenny Garrett, and Roy Hargrove, Spencer's writing balances lyrical melodies, expressive improvisation, and a deep respect for the jazz tradition while remaining distinctly her own.

Spencer has performed nationally and internationally as both a bandleader and freelance artist, including serving as lead trumpet on the North American tour of The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy. She has appeared at venues including Monk's Jazz Club, Parker Jazz Club, the Elephant Room, SXSW, and beyond.

The Next Right Thing: 

Written over five years—from the beginning of the pandemic through the completion of her Doctor of Musical Arts degree—Spencer's debut album, The Next Right Thing, documents the search for an authentic artistic voice during one of the most transformative periods of her life. Featuring seven original compositions and guest trombonist Michael Dease, the album reflects on mentorship, imposter syndrome, creative joy, and the musicians who shaped Spencer's artistic life. Inspired by a mentor's enduring advice—"Just focus on doing the next right thing"—the record is ultimately about choosing art over fear, one step at a time.

IN HER OWN WORDS: 

"Just do the next right thing" is something one of my mentors used to say to me when I was in my late teens/ early twenties. I have often been the kind of person that aims for ideal circumstances, but as ideal circumstances are rarely guaranteed we must find the courage to press onward. The right path is ambiguous, and the journey precedes the destination, always. This work celebrates the universal bravery required to take the next step, and honors the artist's duty to always add the next bit of good into the world.”

Alongside her performing career, Dr. Spencer is a dedicated educator with more than fifteen years of teaching experience and is an active clinician and masterclass presenter. Her doctoral dissertation offers the first comprehensive study of the later career of trumpeter Blue Mitchell, and in 2025 she received the Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award in support of her artistic work.

Gear

Rachel Spencer is a Hammond Design mouthpiece performing artist. 

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