Rachael Forsyth is a saxophonist, all round woodwind player, music teacher, arranger, accompianist, songwriter and author currently living and working in North London.  Her main instrument of choice is the alto sax, but she also performs and teaches on the baritone sax, flute, piano, clarinet, bass clarinet and recorder. 

Her saxophone playing started when she was 13 years old and prior to this she used to play the piano, an instrument she later returned to during her late teens.  Rachael currently plays on a Yanagisawa A992 Alto saxophone and an Arbiter Baritone Sax, and she is also able to play the tenor and soprano sax. 

After graduating from Middlesex University in the summer of 2005 with a BA (Hons) in Music Rachael now collaborates with a fellow Musician - Helen Sanderson-White.  They currently gig around London and the South of England and were joined by a fellow saxophonist - Liz Mitchell - to for Dizzybird.  The three have spent time recording and writing together and many future projects are in the pipe-line.

Rachael's repertoire ranges greatly as she has experience playing in all types of ensemble; soul bands, big bands, orchestras and saxophone quartets to name but a few.  Despite being classically trained Rachael has a deep love for jazz and frequently attends Jam Sessions.  For further details of her playing experience please see the History section.

Another string to her musical bow was added when she studied orchestral conducting at Morley College and she has gained valuable experience conducting and leading ensembles during her time at Middlesex University.  Such was her enjoyment for this art of music, it will be a field of music that she will return to later in her career. 

However, music is not the only creative field that Rachael works in. She has been fortunate enough to have two short stories published in anthologies, the latest being published in November 2005.  She is currently submitting her novel to be considered for publication. Rachael also currently works for two music websites - reviewing live gigs as well as albums.  Further news on her published works will appear in the Writing Section.   

As a classically trained student Rachael is an excellent sight reader, but she is excellent at sight reading.  She says her influences include the great ‘Tower of Power’ and other classic soul and funk bands as well as other saxophonists like the great Gerry Mulligan, Lock Jaw Davis and of course Charlie Parker.   

Further information about gigs as well as samples of her work can be found at www.myspace.com/rachaelforsyth