After her classical training, including two Master’s degrees, Rachel’s musical destiny changed when a performance at the 1999 Carrefour Mondial de l’Accordéon showed her the way to her heart’s music. It was there that she felt herself meeting the spirits of her Acadian ancestors and bringing forward a family tradition rich with singing, dancing, and kitchen‑style fiddling. In fact, her great-grandfather was one of the very first accordion players on Cape Breton Island! 

And although she performs and has recorded with many her greatest interest and passion is teaching. Approached by the University of Montreal’s preparatory school in 2005 to create an innovative program for piano students, she is now busy building a bridge between the spontaneity and immersive musicianship of her folk experience and the aesthetic beauty and refinement in the artistry within her classical music education.