Information About Rachael - Dundee teacher -

(13 reviews)

Personal Description:

Scottish Mezzo Soprano, Rachael , is an alumna of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Edinburgh Napier University and Central Washington University. An awardee of various scholarships throughout her studies, Rachael was generously supported by The Cross Trust, The Split Infinitive and The Santander Universities Mobility Scholarships. Recently, Rachael has enjoyed a variety of performances which included premiering the lead role of Bet in Samuel Peña’s debut musical One Shoe of Each Colour, being a soloist for Origin Scotland’s Easter concert at the Usher Hall and performing with the Thistle Trio in the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Rachael looks forward to performing the role of Second Bridesmaid and covering Cherubino in Saffron Opera’s production of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.

Highlights of Rachael’s 2022/23 Season, included performing alto solo in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival production of Handel’s Messiah conducted by Stuart Hope, performing as a part of Philharmonia Voices in the Edinburgh International Festival production of Beethoven’s Fidelio conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles, and being a season chorus member for the Glyndebourne Festival premier of Ethel Smyth’s The Wrecker’s both at the inaugural Glyndebourne Festival and again for live broadcast at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Rachael has participated in masterclasses with concert pianist and broadcaster, Ian Burnside, Operatic Tenor, Alan Oke, and concert pianist, Michael McMahon. On the International Concert Platform, Rachael has performed extensively in both choral and solo repertoire. Also experienced in Theatre, Rachael has performed notable roles with Dundee Repertory Theatre including productions of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution and Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information.

Tutoring Experience:

Since 2015, I have taught privately, in 1:1, group and choir settings and in a number of schools across London and Edinburgh including the Junior Napier Music School, Merton Music Foundation, Concert Canary Saturday Morning School and Stagecoach Islington. I have maintained a 100% pass rate on all of my student's vocal exams and have successfully prepared students for auditions who have gone on to study at college and undergraduate courses.

I have a DipABRSM in Vocal Teaching, and am PVG Certified.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced background check applied as of present day.
ISM Member

Tutoring Approach:

Typically in a lesson we will do a physical warm up with stretching; checking posture, identifying areas of body tension, breathing exercises, vocal exercises and gradually apply that to suitable repertoire. The first lesson will be a general assessment for me to understand what the voice needs and how I can tailor my teaching to suit the student. My main focus is to help my students build a firm foundation in their vocal technique, help nurture and develop their understanding of their instrument and how to use it in a healthy way while having fun along the way!