Rachael Diop

I began in Christchurch, New Zealand and grew up in the UK. I have travelled and lived in different countries and love the diversity and differences in our world.  I write music inspired by nature, collaborating with visual artists and dancers and tell stories through my songs.

I've performed and recorded with chamber ensembles and bands covering different genres from classical to klezmer.

I've  worked in music education for 25 years - teaching in schools, music hubs, training teachers and running choirs and workshops in the community.  I love my work, the people I work with and the music we make.

I have always loved music. Endlessly dancing and singing as a child and writing songs and stories. 

Studying in Goldsmith’s College, London, brought new collaborations, performances and the beginnings of a lifelong fascination with the link between movement and music.

After losing my dad and finishing my degree in 1999, I returned to New Zealand and found myself working in a very special child care centre run by a brilliant Dutch educator, Ina Wit. Here I had the opportunity to practically apply the principles of Dalcroze Eurythmics and the Kodaly philosophy.

Back in London in the 2000’s I worked with Trinity College of Music, Hackney and Wandsworth Music Services, The Music House for Children and Education Group and took Kodaly night classes with David Vinden. The next year I studied for my PG diploma in music education at The Kodaly Institute in Hungary where I met musicians from all over the world, sharing traditions and ideas.

Back to London again and the birth of Music 4 You - a music charity in Hackney working across 3 housing estates. I set up projects utilising community centres and incorporating the cultures, talents and interests of those living there into sessions and resources through face to face out reach work. 

Throughout these years I played at open mic nights, recording and performing with klezmer/reggae fusion band ‘The Alright Alreadies’ and Senegalese group ‘Taara’ at venues and festivals in the UK.

In 2009, I moved to Liverpool with my 2 small sons focussing on teaching music with Liverpool Music Service, schools and later teacher training with The Voices Foundation and SoMi Academy....(see www.somi.academy and my music education page for more on this...)

I love Liverpool! I have found life long friends and new creative collaborations with musicians, artists  and dancers.

As my sons are older now, I took myself back to uni and finished my masters degree in Creative Music at Liverpool Hope University this summer (2025). I composed, danced and collaborated  with musicians, dancers, film makers and visual artists in the university and across Liverpool.  It's been transformative!

So now I'm looking for funding to take these collaborative creative projects to the public which I hope will inspire others to be more creative in their daily lives.

My songs are also getting out now...at Ami Yesufu's monthly Elle FM events at Liverpool's Arts Bar and Liverpool open mics...soon to be recorded and available on on mu music page, soundcloud and bandcamp by the end of this year...