Rachel Atkinson
BA (Hons) QTS Cert GSMD (P)
rachel@bannerdalemusic.com
Rachel is a trained primary teacher and pianist, she currently shares her time between home instrumental tuition, directing choirs, and piano accompaniment.
Rachel offers tuition from her home music studio in piano, flute, recorder and clarinet as well as offering accompaniment work for local groups, and students taking exams (LCM, Trinity or ABRSM)
Emily is available for flute or theory up to grade 5 as a hybrid lesson, so live or on Zoom depending on whether she’s at home here in Sheffield or in York.
Rachel achieved the Bishop’s Chorister Award (RSCM) at Norwich Cathedral in 1996 & the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Recital Certificate in Piano Performance in 1998 before leaving Norfolk for university in Sheffield. Initial choral conducting training from the ABCD (Association of British Choral Directors) was taken & awarded in 2016-2017.
Rachel is an active member of both the EPTA (European Piano Teacher’s Association ) and the ABCD (Association of British Choral Directors)
Current Conducting Posts:
Musical Director of Waldershelf Singers (from 2015)
Musical Director of Millhouse Green Male Voice (from 2017) Choir
Musical Director of the V&A Ensemble (Chamber choir) (from 2022)
Abbeydale Orchestra – having conducted for them through the summer term of 2023, I now deputise for them when the wonderful Judith isn’t available. It’s the most wonderful group of super talented adults who meet at St. Oswalds Church Hall on Wednesday mornings to play fabulous orchestral music together.
Current Pianist Roles:
You will most regularly find me working with The Singers Collective, a group of semi-professional singers working in 4 part harmony to put on a wide range of classical events.
https://classicalsheffield.org.uk/music-makers/the-singers-collective
I also work as a deputy cover pianist for Dore Male Voice choir, and pop in a number of times throughout the year to support them.
Emily
Emily, my daughter joined Bannerdale Music as a student teacher in Sept 2021. She completed her grade 8 flute in the summer term of 2021, and her performance diploma with the London College of Music in July 2024. She also has an A in A level music (July 2022). She is working on her licencate in flute performance (July 2025).
Emily is living in York and in the final year of her university studies in Biomedical Science. She currently plays with the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra on both flute and piccolo. When not studying Emily works as a supply teaching assistant for Teaching Personnel meaning her DBS and Safeguarding training are all up to date, and she’s gained a wealth of experience working with students from a wide range of abilities.
Lessons with Emily are at a discounted rate for 2024-25 of £12 per lesson, and available on Zoom / real life depending on term time location. 
Any questions, do get in touch:
rachel@bannerdalemusic.com
Read more: About Bannerdale Music