Rachel Sumner
- Acoustic
- Americana
- Folk
- Guitar
- Singer/Songwriter
Rachel Sumner is an award-winning songwriter, singer, and educator whose work bridges the worlds of folk, bluegrass, and chamber Americana. A classically trained musician turned Americana songwriter, Sumner first made her mark as a co-founder of the genre-bending roots group Twisted Pine before launching her solo career. Her lyric-driven songs, known for their intricate melodies and evocative storytelling, have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition win and the Lennon Award in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. In 2024, her original compositions and reimagined folk arrangements were archived at the Library of Congress following a live performance and oral history interview.
As a performer, Sumner has captivated audiences across the country, both as a solo artist and with her band, Traveling Light. Her music transcends folk conventions, blending poetic storytelling, lush harmonies, and dynamic instrumental interplay with the virtuosic talents of her bandmates, Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass). Whether in an intimate listening room or on a festival stage, Sumner’s performances invite listeners into richly woven sonic landscapes.
Beyond the stage, Sumner is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping artists find their voice—both literally and figuratively. She specializes in songwriting, vocal technique, and music business coaching, guiding students in developing their craft, refining their artistic identity, and navigating the realities of a career in music. She has taught at WUMB’s Summer Acoustic Music Week and Winter Weekend programs, as well as privately and at the Passim School of Music. Drawing from her own experience as an independent artist, Sumner empowers songwriters and performers with the tools they need to build sustainable, fulfilling careers while staying true to their artistic vision.
