Rachel Groves

Growing up in Aberdeenshire before moving to Edinburgh, I have several years of experience playing at weddings, funerals, functions and other events. My repertoire includes folk, popular and classical songs. I hold a Masters in Contemporary Performance and Production from Berklee College of Music, Valencia, and a first class degree in Music from University of Edinburgh. I love playing and sharing music with others, and will to help make your day personal and special. Because each event is unique, I am always open to hearing your own ideas for the day and learning new songs. For weddings, I am also able to compose a piece of harp music, which can be played at some point during the ceremony. Aside from performing at weddings, events and other gigs, I've been fortunate to perform in and lead various music groups. I have been Musical Director for the North East Branch of the Clarsach Society’s ‘Harps of Gold' and university a capella group ‘Shirley Tempos’. I have played with groups such as London-based global/rooots ensemble Flotsam Sessions and music/dance impro group Something Smashing and at international folk music projects and festivals. I have played at venues including Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Rich Mix and the Cadogan Hall in London and Palau de les Arts in Valencia. I also enjoy composing music, and have written for a variety of ensembles and choirs. I have won awards composing for the London Bach Choir, the Clarsach Society’s Young Composer Award and the Emre Araci composition competition for string orchestra.