Keyboard Studies

Rachel Factor

Lecturer in Keyboard

MA, BAPerf, ARIAM

Rachel Factor began her BA Performance studies as a classical pianist at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Rachel’s initial harpsichord studies were with Gillian Smith and later with Dr. David Adams. As a student at The Royal Irish Academy of Music, she received numerous scholarships for harpsichord tuition. Rachel received an MA in Musicology and Music Performance from NUI Maynooth.

Rachel has received tutelage from many highly esteemed artists such as Carole Cerasi, Laurence Cummings, Malcom Proud and Christof Rousset. Carole Cerasi has been an influential mentor since Rachel has finished her formal musical studies.

Rachel is an Early Keyboard Specialist and joined the staff of TU Dublin Conservatoire in 2006.

Rachel is a passionate performer and has performed with many of Ireland’s leading ensembles including Irish Chamber Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Cecilia. She has performed at many festivals throughout Ireland and England and participated in multiple recordings and live broadcasts. In London, Rachel has performed on many occasions at The Handel House Museum.

Rachel has a keen interest in contemporary music and also Irish baroque music. Rachel has performed and toured with Irish Composers’ Collective and Crash Ensemble. She has also premiered works by many renowned and emerging contemporary composers in Ireland. With the group ‘Sonamus’ (Irish and Baroque fusion group) Rachel has recorded the successful CD ‘Music of Ireland’. Rachel is also a member of multiple period instrument ensembles.

Rachel has a strong interest in historical performance based research. Some recent projects have included 16^th century Italian and English repertoire and also investigations into 16^th century manuscripts from Trinity College Dublin allowing for the production of virginal and lute duo arrangements.

Rachel is a recipient of 2010 and 2019 Arts Council Music Network Capital Scheme award, Arts Council 2017 Artist Bursary and Arts Council Agility Award 2021 and 2022. She gratefully acknowledges the support of both Music Network and The Arts Council.