Rachel Samuel

Rachel studied at Trinity College of Music in London, specialising in cello performance and teaching. A working holiday took her to Australia, but what was meant to be a short adventure turned into 25 years in Melbourne, where she immersed herself in a rich musical life. She played, taught, and recorded across genres—from classical to folk, pop, and beyond—collaborating with singer-songwriters, contemporary dancers, and artists from diverse musical traditions.

As a teacher, Rachel is passionate about fostering enthusiasm and creativity while helping students develop strong technical skills and a beautiful sound. While she values the classical tradition, she loves introducing students to a wide range of styles, including folk, country, pop, rock, and blues.

In 2017, Rachel returned to England to care for her mother and continue the legacy of her parents at Little Harford. Both artists with a deep love for nature, they planted 2,000 trees on the property in 1992, shaping the landscape of what is now a Grade II* listed thatched cottage set within six acres of garden and woodland. These days, when not playing the cello, Rachel can often be found running an almost-wild campsite, pushing wheelbarrows of wood, and tending to the gardens, cats and chickens - embracing both music and nature with equal passion.