Rachel Lockwood (1986-) began her composition studies while at Oxford University, studying composition (with Robert Saxton and Thomas Hyde), orchestration, and techniques of composition, in particular 16th-century vocal counterpoint. Encouraged by her personal tutor Dr Susan Wollenberg, she progressed to theRoyal Northern College of Music after graduation, where she commenced studies with Adam Gorb.

Many of her works written in Oxford were for ensembles of which she was a member, for example her string quartet (first performed in Christ Church Cathedral), and a piece for Oxford New Concertante, a group of unconducted string soloists. Rachel also developed an interest in music for stage, playing in two musicals and writing a mixture of diagetic and non-diagetic music for La Généreuse Ingratitude (staged in the gardens of New College) and Oedipus Tyrannos (Christ Church Cathedral).

Since arriving at the RNCM, Rachel has written for a wide range of instrumentation, including a wind quintet and a wind band arrangement, as well as Musings of Persephone for harp, violin and bass clarinet. She is currently working on a range of projects, from a violin concerto to a short solo movement for carbon-fibre cello.

Recent projects include:

North East movies - a short film based on Edgar Allen Poe's Fall of the House of Usher

The National Gallery's Old Masters Inspire New Music from Young Composers