Rachel Hair -
One of the leading bands on Scotland’s vibrant folk scene, the Rachel Hair Trio presents a sparkling blend of melodic harp mastery, rootsy songs and sophisticated rhythmical drive. Fronted by acclaimed harpist-composer Rachel Hair and featuring the much-in-demand singer-guitarist Jenn Butterworth and top Scottish double bassist Euan Burton, the group has honed a repertoire drawn from traditional, contemporary and international sources to create performances that crackle with character, passion, verve and joie de vivre.
Nominated "Scottish Folk Band of the Year 2011" at the Scots Trad Awards
"One of the UK's finest contemporary Celtic harpists and tunesmiths" (Songlines)
Teaching....
As well as performing Rachel is a highly experienced, and much sought after freelance tutor of the harp with many of her students gaining 1sts at local and National Gaelic Mods and All Scotland and All Britain Irish Music Fleadhs. Regularly tutoring for organistations including Feisean Nan Gaidheal, Feis Rois (Scottish Gaelic Music), Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Irish music) and Glasgow's own Celtic Connections, she is currently the harp tutor at Douglas Academy, one of Scotland's four specialist schools for excellence in music. Rachel frequently travels far and wide to countries which have included France (Rencontres de la harpe Celtique in Brittany festival), Germany (Harfentreffen Harp festival), Switzerland (Celtic Days Harp Festival) , Finland, Denmark, the USA and India, to teach not only Scottish/Irish Harp but general traditional/Celtic Music and Groupwork. She teaches using the traditonal "by-ear" method with a strong emphasis on fun and enjoyment. She has also lectured in Scottish and Irish Traditional music at Universities in both America and Scotland.