School of Music alumna becomes member of the Recording Academy

Rachel Walker Mason, School of Music graduate and winner of over 80 prestigious music awards, has been made a member of the Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs).

The Recording Academy comprises musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals, dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and musicians.

To become a member, nominees need to be recommended by two existing GRAMMY members, who detail their professional connection and why they think the nominee should be admitted. Each voting member of the Academy is only afforded two recommendations each year.

Nominees are then invited to write an application, including a full description of career to date, education, recordings, awards won, charity work, mentoring and anything else of interest to the judging board.

Of her achievement, Rachel said: “I feel so incredibly honoured! Many thousands of musicians from across the world apply each year, so the chances of being chosen are small.”

On her time at the School of Music, Rachel said: “I loved the city of Cardiff. I had always known since I was a little girl that I would be a musician so after my A Levels I continued my musical education in my favourite city.

“It’s a fantastic university full of amazing clubs and societies you can join, a great nightlife and endless live music venues where you can hear world-famous and local musicians any night of the week.”

After graduating from the School of Music in 2003, Rachel began teaching singing and ran vocal harmony groups, including the multi award-winning Euphoria Show Choir, performing all over the world.

Since then, Rachel has been writing songs with and for many artists including GRAMMY, Emmy and Ivor Novello award winners, The Voice UK and American Idol alumni, Oscar nominees, MOBO and BRIT Award nominees, AMA UK and Independent Country Music Association Awards winners.

After struggling with postnatal depression, Rachel created Lyrical Light song writing workshops for people with maternal mental health issues, creating personalised songs to aid in their recovery.

Following on from these workshops Rachel wrote the bestselling book, Not the Only One, which includes lyrics and real stories from those who have struggled with their mental health after becoming parents.

More details about Rachel’s achievements and her career to date can be found on her website.