Although a Southerner at heart, Rebecca was born in Massachusetts, but raised in West Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina.  She played the violin at age four, piano at six, and choose flute at age 11.Her exceptional talent developed from performances in youth symphonies, Gospel churches, and Appalachian folk music sessions.  While in Charlotte, Rebecca was a student of Altus Artist Jennifer Dior.  She then pursued a Bachelor's degree at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. A big fan of commitment, she entered IU as a Classical Flute and Environmental Science Major, and graduated with degrees in Jazz and Spanish.  

Rebecca is a fearless traveler and has steeped her ears in the far corners of the world ranging from the jazz clubs of NYC to Flamenco gatherings in Spain, pubs in Ireland to European symphony halls, and music festivals in California to dance parades in Brazil.  She brings these diverse elements together in her musical life, naturally incorporating jazz, Brazilian music, Flamenco, Tango, Classical Music as well as hints of Indian and Celtic music. Rebecca learns from and collaborates regularly with the greatest artists in these genres (learn more by clicking on the Links and Projects pages on this site).

Ms. Kleinmann currently maintains a busy traveling schedule as a performing and recording artist. In her Santa Barbara, California home of five years, she leads a full teaching studio, attracts a large fan base, and is a well-known and well-loved face in the community. It is here that Rebecca explores her penchant for concert promotion and the organization of fund-raisers for causes close to her heart, which include the Sierra Club and the Red Cross.  

As a band leader, Rebecca is constantly evolving and experimenting. In her debut album "Raio de Sol" ("Sun Ray" in Portuguese), she brings together her diverse musician friends and heroes to create an acoustic World-Jazz soundscape. For a full list of the musicians on the album please see www.cdbaby.com/kleinmann