20 plus years experience as a music and yoga teacher. Loves teaching all ages

Learn more about Rachel

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I was 9 years old when I first started playing the tenor horn in the local village band. I enjoyed playing in a group and was very keen to practise and improve. I really loved the vibration and harmonious depth of the brass ensemble from very early on.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I can listen to most genres of music consistently so long as it does not exceed 120 bpm! I love the precision of Beethoven, the simplicity of Mozart and the heart-opening harmonies of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. I also love anything with a reggae vibe, my first electronic music influences was dub reggae, now there is a genre I can completely get lost in .. again simplicity, precision and speed which resonates with my heartbeat .

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  The most difficult or riveting course I could personally give … hmmm , personally I believe anything is possible musically. It is not a matter of complexity or difficulty but more how you break it down. Whatever the goal, the steps should be manageable, enjoyable and achievable. Even if it takes a lifetime!
  What is riveting and inspirational for me is the capability of human endeavour. I aim to open the minds of my students to their unlimited capacity to improve!

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  The hardest instrument to master … when we are on the topic of mastery we certainly are in deep territory ! Most instruments have hidden levels of mastery , even the triangle .. as it is the mind which must be mastered before the external .
  On a practical level however , for me the piano , the co ordination, the ability to sight read and apply this level of coordination is the hardest instrument for me to master . I can circular breath on the didgeridoo , finger pick on the guitar , rattle of studies and scales and orchestral excerpts on the French horn, improvise with my voice , but still sight reading at the piano is my biggest challenge !

• What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success are
  A) learn to learn
  B) enjoy learning, be creative and make it fun
  C) make your practise a habit
  D) be open to new styles and experiences of music

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I would like to meet , Mozart , I would want to see if he spoke in rhythm and melody , how was he socially , could he maintain eye contact , how busy and absorbed were his thoughts in music , was there any normality to him ?
  Secondly , I would like to meet Bob Marley , I would tell him how, even after his death, his music has healed and helped so many. I would ask him about the connection between music and collective consciousness. I would ask him to explain to me his thoughts on manifestation and music.
  Thirdly, I would like to meet Amy Winehouse , I would just give her a hug . I would ask her to write a song about self love to promote her own well being .

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  There are shortcuts when the point is to enjoy the ride .
  Be present in your practise .
  Know that assimilation is part of the ride .
  Practise little and often rather than long and intense. 20 minutes good practise is far more advantageous than 2 hours bad practise !

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I am pupil-centred. I will create an individual program to suit the needs of each pupil. I am flexible and as I get to know and understand the needs and learning styles of my students I adapt accordingly . I always give that extra 10 or 15 minutes because we are 'in the flow' .. I enjoy facilitating the growth of and live for music in others.