Instructor
Office: C117M
Phone: 940-397-4294
Email: rafael.powell@msutexas.edu
Rafael Powell II is a freelance woodwind teacher, clinician, and performer based in Dallas-Fort Worth; he joined the Midwestern State University faculty as Visiting Instructor of Single Reeds in 2023, where he teaches applied saxophone, clarinet, woodwind methods, and improvisation.
Rafael has performed across the nation as a touring musician with various artists, including R&B artist Sean Fresh as the woodwind player for Children of Indigo. Outside of shows, Rafael can be heard on singles from Sean Fresh, Children of Indigo, Kwestion, Dazz & Brie, Andromeda, Big Piph, Austin Dean Ashford and more.
As a classical artist, he has performed at the NASA Region IV Conference, CMS South Central Conference, SCI Conference, and Mana Saxophone Institute. Along with these conference performances, Rafael has performed with the Sherman Symphony, Little Rock Wind Symphony, Stardust Big Band, Lone Star Wind Orchestra, Rockwall Summer Musicals, and Fultopia Flute Choir.
Beyond performaing and recording, Rafael has taught woodwinds since 2010. Through the years he has taught at various schools in Central Arkansas, East Texas, and West Texas, giving Masterclasses, lessons, and recitals. He also serves the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as a Woodwind Teaching Artist. As a teacher, Rafael believes in meeting students where they are, showing them a patient path, and using music to encourage them to go beyond.
Rafael is a Doctoral Candidate at Texas Tech (ABD), where he studied with Professor David Dees. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University — Commerce (MM) and Hederon State University (BM). His primary teachers are Dr. Steve Becraft, Dr. Jennifer Amox, Dr. Chris Beaty, Dr. Mary Alice Druhan, and Dr. Julee Walker.