ABOUT RACHEL
An award-winning harpist, Rachel Miller is celebrated for her dynamic qualities as a soloist, active orchestral musician, enthusiastic collaborator and dedicated educator. She is engaged regularly by a wide variety of orchestras including Cincinnati, Detroit and Columbus Symphonies. With experience across genres and disciplines, Rachel often shares the stage with names like Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli & Evanescense. An energetic educator, Rachel is thrilled to join the faculty at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music beginning Fall 2024.
As an orchestral harpist, Rachel is regularly engaged by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Nashville Opera. She has held positions with Louisville Orchestra (Interim Principal Harp 2022-2023), Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Principal Harp 2018-2024), Binghamton Philharmonic (Principal Harp 2015-2018), Akron Symphony Orchestra (Interim Principal Harp 2015-2016), Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (Acting Principal Harp 2015-2016) and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (Principal Harp 2010-2022). Rachel attended the Aspen Music Festival in 2014 and was Principal Harpist for the Lancaster Festival in 2014, 2016 & 2024.
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As a featured soloist, Rachel has appeared with the Louisville Orchestra Chamber Musicians (Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro), Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Debussy’s Danses; Daniel Brier, conductor), Binghamton Philharmonic (Caplet’s Conte Fantastique; José-Luis Novo, conductor), Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (Alwyn’s Lyra Angelica; Robin Fountain, conductor), and the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra (Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto; Amanda Blaikie, flute).
Earning distinction for her solo playing, Rachel has been a prize winner at the Lyon & Healy Awards (2015), American Harp Society’s National Competition Advanced Division (2011), and American Harp Society’s Anne Adams Awards (2010).
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Rachel has shared the stage with a variety of artists including Andrea Bocelli, The Beach Boys, Evanescence, Josh Groban, Lindsey Stirling, Sarah McLachlan, Amy Grant, Celtic Woman and Christopher Cross. Rachel can be heard playing on many scores for Film, TV & video-games, and on projects for artists including Joss Stone, Jelly Roll and Greta Van Fleet. Rachel has performed in a plethora of unique spaces and iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the historic Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL.
An energetic educator, Rachel enjoys sharing the harp with her students in her private teaching studio, welcoming students of all ages, levels and backgrounds. Rachel will join the faculty at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music as Adjunct Artist Teacher of Harp in Fall 2024.
Rachel started playing the harp at the age of 8, studying with Susan Knapp Thomas. She studied further with Patricia Masri-Fletcher, Arcola Clark, Kathleen Bride, Gillian Benet Sella and Sarah Bullen. Rachel holds degrees from Michigan State University (Bachelor of Music) and University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (Master of Music; Artist Diploma).