Performer
Rachel is sought after for concerts, contra dances, French BalFolk dances, English country dances, workshops, and festivals.
Her playing spans an enormous range of emotion, from nuanced and sensitive to exhilarating and powerful, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an accordion.
Rachel’s work is infused with a contagious enthusiasm for her instrument and a deep respect for the musical traditions she carries. She loves to create authentic connections with audiences everywhere—from packed, energized dance halls to small, intimate house concert settings. She is passionate about sharing with others the delight she finds in this music.
Tunesmith
Rachel draws her inspiration from Celtic, French, English, New England, and Quebecois traditions. She cranks out new material while deeply respecting and cherishing the melodies that have been around for hundreds of years.
She thrives on ensemble projects—especially with her bands Eloise & Co., Peregrine Road, Alchemy, and Old World Charm School—and feels most alive when she’s exploring creative intersections and breathing life into tunes crafted with others.
One of Rachel’s most fulfilling projects is a collaboration with choreographer Susan Kevra. Together, they are writing new dance and tune compositions for the English country dance repertoire, and they plan to publish a book and recording of these compositions.
Educator
Through Crab Apple Jam Music Studio, Rachel instills the joy of music in children—and adults!—of all ages. Her upbeat, engaging teaching style is grounded in over a decade of experience in public and Montessori schools.
Every kids’ class is packed with hands-on, creative fun that builds musical skills as well as essential life skills. Children are captivated by the rich array of puppets, songs, dances, dulcimers, bells, drums, and movement.
Rachel’s traditional music workshops for older children and adults are popular because of her ability to break concepts down in a way that both challenges and empowers musicians. Rachel’s warmth and humor keep folks engaged throughout the sessions. The same is true of one-on-one lessons, where instruction is tailor-made to each individual’s strengths and needs.
Explorer
When Rachel isn’t blissing out on a looooong rehearsal marathon with a bandmate or on the road playing gigs, she can be found exploring Vermont's beautiful forests and waterfalls or seeking out excellent espresso.
During the pandemic, she’s playing virtual gigs, recording, and dreaming of the day when in-person dancing can resume again!