Rachel studied at Birmingham Conservatoire with Jonathan Kelly and George Caird and continued her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Richard Simpson. Since leaving college she has built up a busy freelance career and has performed in many orchestras, the International Film Orchestra, Brandenburg Sinfonia, BBC Concert Orchestra, Glyndebourne Touring Opera, London Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Southern Sinfonia, English Pro Musica and the Central England Camerata amongst many others.
Alongside her orchestral playing Rachel often performs as a soloist and chamber musician. After performing Bach and Albinoni with Southern Sinfonia under the baton of David Hill her playing was described as ‘poignant, dramatic and beautifully shaped.’ in 2020 Rachel was invited to perform Gabriels oboe with Brandenburg Sinfonia in the stunning grounds of Hever Castle and recently she has been involved in various chamber concerts. Last year rachel was involved in the first recording of a set of songs for voice and oboe by Herbert Murrill which was released in early 2025 by First hand records.
Rachel is passionate about encouraging the next generation to enjoy music. She is an oboe teacher and chamber music coach at Guildhall School of Music junior department, St Johns College School, the Leys School and St Albans School and is often invited to give workshops and masterclasses. Rachel has tutored at The big double reed day, The cork school of music double reed day and was invited to coach the woodwind of the Portuguese youth orchestra. Rachel also composes music for the oboe and has a range of music available for all levels of player. Her most recent books are The happy hippo & friends, a set of duets or solos for young oboists and Five pieces for oboe for advanced players inspired by places around England.