Collaborative Pianist
Rachel Johnson
Rachel Johnson is a collaborative pianist based in the DMV area. She currently serves as Collaborative Pianist and Vocal Coach for Peabody Preparatory as well as collaborative pianist for the Montgomery County Women’s Chorus, the Children's Chorus of Washington, and previously for Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand’s Chamber Singers. She frequently performs with Annapolis Opera, Maryland Opera, Emerging Artists Foundation, and Washington Opera Society. She recently toured Italy and Tunisia with the Arlington Chorale, marking her return to Europe and her debut in Africa. Rachel also served as staff pianist for Cévennes Lyriques in France in 2024 and toured Portugal with Penn State’s Glee Club as their collaborative pianist in 2023. Rachel earned her Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano at the University of Maryland in 2025 under the direction of Professor Rita Sloan. Aside from her performing career, Rachel enjoys her piano studio of students of all ages based in Maryland.
Collaborative Pianist
Hanako Duffie
Hanako Duffie is a collaborative pianist based in Washington D.C., and has extensive experience performing with instrumentalists and vocalists in a variety of genres and styles. Originally from Southern California, she has played with leading professional choirs such as the Choral Arts Initiative, the Voices of Terpsichor, and the Temecula Valley Master Chorale. Hanako has worked on staff as a collaborative pianist for the University of Redlands Conservatory of Music, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in collaborative piano at the University of Maryland. Hanako has attended music festivals where she has studied with renowned pianists such as Martin Katz, Howard Watkins, Warren Jones, Ana Maria Otamendi, Elena Lacheva, Alexandra Nguyen, and Kathy Kelly. Hanako has worked closely with conductors such as Jenny Wong, Jason Max Ferdinand, Christopher Gabbitas, and Donald Brinegar.