about us

Bristol Academy of Music (BAM), located in historic downtown Bristol, TN/VA, provides a fun, modern learning experience that amplifies potential and inspires a lifelong love of music. The academy offers a variety of education options like Glee Club, musical theater, camps and events, deluxe lessons, and private lessons - all designed to make learning fun so students of all ages reach their full potential.

Owner and founder Rachel Helton spent 15 years as an operatic performer and 10 years as a music instructor for private individuals and several universities including ETSU, Milligan, Emory & Henry, and King. Rachel founded BAM in 2019 after years of becoming increasingly aware of the lack of community-oriented, engaging music education available in the Bristol area. BAM was awarded the Ben Collins Entrepreneur Grant from Believe in Bristol that same year.

Now, Rachel, along with several other talented team members including her husband, voice instructor Gabe Helton, has expanded offerings for students of all ages to include classes, group activities, camps, after school programs, and more.

Rachel Helton is the owner and founder of Bristol Academy of Music! A native of Canton, Ohio, Mrs. Helton holds a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music.

Mrs. Helton's operatic performance credits include, the title role in Carmen, Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel, and roles in Albert Herring, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, The Barber of Seville, Susannah, and Faust. Helton has performed with Asheville Lyric Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Central City Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Undercroft Opera, and Indiana University Opera Theater. Helton's concert credits include Verdi's Requiem, Mozart's Requiem, Messiah, A Child of Our Time by Tippett, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Duruflé's Requiem.

Local performances include engagements with The Paramount Chamber Players, Symphony of the Mountains, Johnson City Symphony, AppOpera, and solo recitals.

Mrs. Helton has been teaching voice and piano for 12 years to beginning and advanced students. Her students have found success locally, nationally, and internationally.

In addition to her private students, Mrs. Helton is an adjunct professor of voice at Emory & Henry University and was previously an instructor at East Tennessee State University, Milligan University, and King University.

Mrs. Helton is thrilled to offer a community for musicians of all ages to learn, inspire, and perform together.

Rebekah Rasnake Cash is a native of Abingdon, VA. She is currently finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at King University. Her primary instrument is piano. She is the pianist for the Highlands Youth Ensemble of the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy (MECCA). She is also the pianist/organist at Glade Spring Presbyterian Church (Old Glade) in Glade Spring, Virginia. Rebekah teaches piano at BAM as well as in BAM’s after school piano program at St. Anne Catholic School. She loves teaching and bringing the joy of music to her students!

Eva Kling is a native of Abingdon, VA.

She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music and Education at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, where she studied under Dr. Paul Volk, Dr Michael Donathan, and Dr. Christy Lee. She has been teaching piano for seven years, and is the Music Director and Choir Director of First Christian Church of Abingdon.

Eva teaches piano lessons at Bristol Academy of Music.

Gabe Helton, baritone, is a native of Abingdon, VA. He currently resides in Bristol, VA with his wife, Rachel. Helton holds a Bachelor of Music in voice from North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied with Derek Lawrence, James Allbritten, Marilyn Taylor, and Marion Pratnicki. He entered the Performer’s Diploma program at Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music where he studied under Virginia Zeani and Timothy Noble. 

Known for his warmth and power, Helton’s operatic credits include the title role in Eugene Onegin and leading roles in Die Fledermaus, Faust, Der Rosenkavalier, Don Giovanni, Merry Wives of Windsor, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, La Boheme, Die Zauberflöte, and The Merry Widow. He has performed with Brevard Music Center, Piedmont Opera, Indiana University Opera Theater, and North Carolina School of the Arts. Helton’s concert credits include Brahms Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Messiah, Bruckner Requiem, Berlioz Requiem, Saint-Saëns Requiem, Fauré Requiem, and Verdi Requiem. 

Mr. Helton teaches private voice lessons at Bristol Academy of Music. His students have won success locally and statewide, winning performance opportunities and placing in state honor choirs.

David King, originally from St. Augustine, FL, teaches guitar and ukulele at Bristol Academy of Music. He holds a degree in guitar performance from Florida State University. David previously taught at the Thomasville Road Academy of the Arts in Tallahassee, FL. David also owns and operates Datil Sensation, specializing in datil pepper sauce, gourmet hot sauces, and salsas made from home grown peppers!

Olivia Brooks is a native of Bristol, Virginia. She recently graduated from John S. Battle High School where she was in involved heavily in the theater and choral programs. She was an all state choral delegate for Virginia for 5 years and part of John Battle’s choir, one act, and musical theatre program all four years. Olivia is a nursing student at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon. Olivia teaches junior voice lessons and the musical theatre class with Ms. Rachel!