Rachel McFarlane's journey in music began as a violinist in the Claude Watson Program at Earl Haig Secondary School. She gained early recognition with her breakout piece “Beyond the Challenger Deep,” performed by the Gryphon Trio at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto at 16 years old. Under the mentorship Ron Royer, Ted Runcie, Kevin Lau, Jennifer Smele, Tanya Charles, and Janal Bechthold, Rachel’s talent flourished, leading her to be featured on CBC: In Concert radio segment and compose for esteemed ensembles like The Cultureland Opera Collective and The Amici Ensemble.

Currently, Rachel is ongoing to become the first Black woman to graduate from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor of Music, double majoring in Games and Interactive Media Scoring and Film Scoring.

Recent Accomplishments

• CBC "30 Best Classical Musicians Under 30: At just 22 years old, Rachel McFarlane was named one of CBC's 30 Best Classical Musicians Under 30, an extraordinary accomplishment that highlights her remarkable talent and rapid rise in the classical music world. This prestigious recognition cements her place as a trailblazer, proving she is carving a unique path in the industry.
• EA/Berklee Charting Change Scholarship: Rachel has been awarded this prestigious scholarship, a collaboration between the Screen Scoring Department at Berklee and EA Music, which recognizes her exceptional talent and support for women and non-cisgender individuals in the industry. This scholarship provides her with significant financial support and mentorship from an industry-leading team at Electronic Arts.
• Niagara Symphony Orchestra: Rachel McFarlane has been declared Composer in Residence for the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, where she will create original works inspired by the region's rich history and vibrant culture. Her residency will include collaborations with the orchestra, bringing her unique musical vision to life in upcoming performances.
• Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO): Rachel composes music for the SPO, contributing to its mission of empowering and developing the arts. Her work includes original scores for animated shorts in collaboration with Sheridan College and commissioned pieces for The Songs of Hope Project.
• Royal Conservatory’s Oscar Peterson Program: Rachel is currently composing for The Royal Conservatory’s Oscar Peterson Program, which promotes excellence in music education and performance. This prestigious program provides Rachel with an opportunity to create new and innovative works that continue the legacy of Oscar Peterson.
• Social Media and Sponsorships: Rachel is also an active music content creator, sponsored by prominent companies such as Orchestral Tools, Spitfire Audio, Eastwest Sounds, and Reelcrafter.

More information about Rachel can be found on her website.