Rachel Marie Music

Really enjoyed playing my viola as part of the viola section at last Saturdays pop-up symphony orchestra in The Victoria Hall, Crewkerne.

We played Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom
Of the Opera, Jupiter from Holsts Planets Suite and Die Fledermaus. A lot of fun! 🎻🎶

Trialing a new shoulder rest out on one of my students this week. After some adjustment I decided that it just wasn’t quite fitting her shoulder yet so we’re back to a scarf as a temporary fix until she’s grown into it. This is giving her enough support in that area for now that she can happily hold her instrument without her left arm and play without any aches or discomfort.

It really does take time and a fair bit of experimentation to find the best kind of support for chin, neck and shoulder. It is always a bit of an ongoing process as each student is individual.

Holding a violin in the first place puts your body into an asymmetrical position - so it becomes even more important to have good support around that whole area.

What a pleasure to be asked to play with Crooked Furrow for their NYE ceilidh. I had a great time!

Happy NY everyone! Here’s to a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026 🎻🎉

Looking forward to playing some Celtic folk jigs n reels at this lovely craft ale drinking spot on Saturday November 15th with the Woodhouse Trio! Come along! 🎶🎻🪗🥁

Autumn violin! 🎻🎶🍎🪶

Arranging… watch this space 🎶

🎶 Live Music at WG 🎶

Join us on Sunday 26th October for a foot-tapping evening of Celtic folk, as three of the South West’s finest musicians take the stage. Expect lively fiddle tunes, rich accordion harmonies, and the irresistible beat of the bodhrán — music that’ll have you clapping along all night long!

🔥 We’ll be keeping it warm and cosy inside — perfect for a chilly evening!
Our kitchen’s open 6–8pm, serving up juicy burgers and tasty wraps — the ideal pairing for great tunes and a pint in hand.

📅 Sunday 26th October
🎵 6PM

Bring your friends, grab a pint, and settle in for a night of good food, great music, and plenty of warmth! 💚

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Martina Manatad, Srikanto Sikder, মোঃ সাইফুল ইসলাম বাবু, Ajay Kumar, Ramil Dela Cruz

Today a brief focus on shoulder rests. These are often specific to the skeletal structure of the student. To beginners I say if the shop bought shoulder rest is uncomfortable, then make your own.
You can build up layers using cloths and sponges and do a DIY job. For this particular new student we needed a relatively sharp angle for the shoulder rest and a low height. I have other students who have much higher shoulder rests and at different angles. It really is specific to your particular body shape and skeletal structure.

RIP Tom Lehrer.
This is the song of his that I know well (well to listen to, playing it would be another matter)!
He wrote so many others and was well ahead of his time.
The great grandfather of musical satire. 🎶

Tom Lehrer - The Elements - LIVE FILM From Copenhagen in 1967 Tom Lehrer on public domain (2020):https://tomlehrersongs.com/The recording is from Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 1967.Here are some other links:Tom Lehr...

Played fiddle at an Irish music themed wedding last weekend and managed two photos. It was a lot of fun! Played marches, jigs and reels, the wedding took place at The Cider Barn on the Dillington Estate Office & Farms ☘️🎶