Hi, I’m Rachel! I’ve spent my life learning, playing and sharing music
I am a pianist, flautist, recorder player and qualified teacher with more than 20 years' experience across classrooms, schools and individual music lessons. I find real joy in helping another person make music.
Music has a way of opening up the world
My nana was a concert pianist in Lancashire, so music was woven into everyday family life. I began piano lessons at seven and by the time I was studying for my A-levels, I was teaching local piano pupils. I loved seeing the moment something clicked for another person, and I still do.
I went on to study Music at Durham University, specialising in Renaissance and Baroque music, before completing an MA in Community Music at the University of York.
I worked alongside professional musicians on hospital wards, helped to teach an early-years Kindermusik programme and joined the committee responsible for running York Carnival.
It showed me that music can have a place almost anywhere, and that there are many different ways to be a musician.
I love watching my students flourish
My career has taken me into all sorts of teaching rooms, from primary classrooms and secondary music departments to individual lessons. I have worked as a peripatetic instrumental teacher, led a department as Head of Music and seen the exam process from the other side as a GCSE music examiner.
Through every stage, one-to-one teaching has been the thread running through it all. It gives me time to get to know a student properly and discover the music they are drawn to, what knocks their confidence, and the encouragement that helps them move forward.
Sometimes one student leads to a sibling, and before long I have become part of a family’s musical life. I see nervous beginners grow into capable musicians, share all the small breakthroughs along the way and, sometimes, wave them off to university years later. Being trusted with that much of someone’s musical journey is one of the loveliest parts of what I do.
My music lessons always begin with the person in front of me
Everyone comes to music differently. I take the time to understand what helps you learn, what makes you feel stuck and what kind of music makes you want to keep playing.
Together, we’ll work on technique, reading, listening and musical understanding, building each skill at a pace that feels manageable. What matters most to me is helping you become a capable, curious musician who trusts yourself and genuinely wants to keep playing.
Outside the music room, you’ll find me making art, spotting birds, or cosied up with a book
These days, I divide my time between teaching music and working as a nature artist. I once wondered whether I needed to choose between the two, but they are both an important part of who I am.
My listening is equally varied. I love everything from Debussy, Tallis and Handel to Wolf Alice, Wet Leg, Spell Songs and a good old Ibiza dance classic!
I live in the countryside with my husband and our working cocker spaniel, Lulu. A good day usually involves books, birdwatching, cooking something generous and a walk in the Dales.
Find the right music tuition for you
Music tuition for schools
Thoughtful, experienced instrumental tuition for primary and secondary pupils.
Private music lessons
Friendly, individual lessons for complete beginners of all ages, returning players and experienced musicians.