Rachel playing

By Rachel Newdorf

Three years ago, Rachel Levitin went to an American Idol audition just for fun.

But it was so much fun, she hired a voice coach and started singing professionally. Now, the 24-year-old sings and plays her guitar at gigs all over the D.C.-area.

“Music got me excited,” she says. “It was just fun, and still is.”

The 4 foot 9 singer moved from Chicago to the District in 2005 to attend American University where she earned degrees in both music and journalism. Her freshman year, she released her first studio album, “Come As You Are.” She has since released three more discs.

When she’s not singing, she’s writing. She blogs about the Nationals for We Love DC.

She’s hoping to start combing her loves and write more about music and music education. Last year, for example,  she interviewed students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and famous performers who visit the school, such as Earth Wind and Fire.

“I have fun with both music and journalism,” Levitin says. “I’m learning everyday, it actually feels like I never left school.”

For more information about Rachel, her tour dates, albums and even her personal blog, go to http://rachellevitinmusic.com/

To check out We Love DC, go to their website http://www.welovedc.com/