I’m Rachael, and I’m a Co-founder and Creative Director at Soundcastle. My role is a blend of creative practice and organisational development. On the creative side, I play the clarinet and work on our programmes in East Sussex - Musical Beacons and People’s Music. When I’m in business mode, I work with our team in the Hastings studio to explore the how, what, and why of all things Soundcastle. This might include telling our story, building our profile, securing funding, and developing new partnerships. I LOVE working with our team and feel their passion for this work, which constantly fuels my energy.
I first fell into music-making as a clarinet player at the age of 9, and it quickly became the way I navigated the world - helping me make friends, travel, and work. Music has always been about people and how they fit together, and I’m proud that in founding Soundcastle, we’ve created a powerful fusion of people and music where it matters most. Being able to bring together my music skills and experience in holding ‘people-led spaces’ is so meaningful – it’s work I’m incredibly proud of.
My vision for the future is to evolve the Soundcastle creative approach into a fully recognized and impactful practice - a methodology rather than a programme of delivery. I want Soundcastle to become a trusted and respected framework that shapes the way people experience and engage with music for years to come.
I am so proud of this work each day, and am excited to see our Mental Health First Aid training offer expanding nationally, helping more people to look after themselves and their communities.
Say hello at @TeamSoundcastle!