Rachel
Rachel Spencer is a violinist, singer and workshop leader, based in East Lothian. Originally from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, she began learning violin with Ralph Barker. She was awarded the Leverhulme scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with Peter Lissauer and James Clark, and subsequently studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Alexander Janiczek, graduating with Distinction and a special award for Outstanding Performance. She performs regularly with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, as well as numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles across the UK, and she has appeared at festivals across Europe.
As a vocalist, Rachel has sung live on BBC Radio and on several recordings, including Eric Whitacre’s Grammy-award winning “Light and Gold” album. For many years she has worked as a vocal coach on residential courses for the Ulster Youth Choir and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. Passionate about music education, Rachel regularly leads music workshops in schools, on courses and at festivals throughout the UK. She has led education projects in collaboration with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Red Note Ensemble and Live Music Now Scotland and she is Education Officer for the Loch Shiel Festival. Rachel is delighted to be joining the team at Lamp House Music!