Rachel is a vibrant young player who was born and raised in Baddeck, Cape Breton.  Rachel began playing fiddle at the age of 12, learning first from her grandfather, Clarence Long. then studying with Karen Beaton for four years.  Most recently, Rachel has studied fiddle with Kyle MacNeil through her studies at Cape Breton University where she is working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Celtic Studies.

As well as playing fiddle, Rachel has studied Cape Breton stepdancing, Bodhran and Gaelic singing at the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts.

Along with her mentors, Rachel credits the Cape Breton Fiddler’s Association and the playing of the late John Morris Rankin with helping her develop as a fiddler. 

This is Rachel’s third year as a featured performer in the Celtic Colours International Festival.  During the  2007 Celtic Colours Festival, Rachel was presented with the Tic Butler Memorial Award for  outstanding contribution to the Cape Breton culture.

For the past four years, Rachel has been a regular performer at the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh  and The Normaway Inn in Margaree, CB. as well as playing many venues on and off Cape Breton Island.  Rachel can also be found playing many venues with Cape Breton’s singer/songwriter Buddy MacDonald.