Rachel Pogson

Originally from Orange in rural NSW, Rachel is a freelance cellist, string specialist and conductor with a special interest in ensemble pedagogy. She studied ‘cello with Susan Blake at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Anthea Scott-Mitchell at Newcastle Conservatorium.

Since relocating to Sydney in 2005, she became Head of Strings at Burwood Girls High School, conducted orchestras at Fort St High School, Sydney Girls High School, Annandale North Public School, Forest Lodge Public and spent many years conducting Sydney Youth Orchestras Strings program.

In 2019 Rachel was the recipient of the Louise Crossley Scholarship through the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra which enabled her to work with Elana Schwarz in their Australian Conducting Academy.

In 2013, as Artistic Director of NIMA (Newcastle Improvised Music Association) Rachel founded the Newcastle Youth Orchestra.

Rachel is currently head of the music program at Leichhardt Public School, teaches chamber music at the Conservatorium High School, runs workshops for primary and secondary string orchestras throughout greater Sydney and maintains a wonderful studio of private ‘cello students at Newtown Performing Arts High.