Rachel Leader

Rachel Leader (she/her) is violin/fiddle and clawhammer banjo teacher and performing artist based in Western Massachusetts. Initially trained in classical violin through the Suzuki method, Rachel has expanded her expertise to traditional genres including folk, old-time, country, Cajun, bluegrass, klezmer, Greek, and Balkan music. An award-winning musician, Rachel co-founded critically-acclaimed ensembles including Mamaliga, Magid Ensemble, and Burikes, and has performed and taught internationally at festivals including Yiddish Summer Weimar, KlezKanada, and Yiddish New York. Rachel was a recipient of the New Klezmer Leaders Fellowship from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in 2021. Rachel is deeply passionate about finding joy and expression through music making. As an educator, Rachel’s approach emphasizes fostering a welcoming, collaborative environment where students of all levels and ages can find creativity and confidence in their playing. It's never too late to reconnect with the instrument you grew up playing, try fiddling for the first time, or discover new ways to share music with others!