A Song That Haunts
- Americana
- Indie
- Pop
- Roots
- School of Music class
- Singer/Songwriter
Why do certain songs resonate and nestle themselves in your ear? In this class — part investigation, part workshop — we will explore those haunting songs by dissecting a handful of the best. We’ll get to the core of their inner workings and see how we can apply those concepts into our own writing. A Song That Haunts will be a focused study in three parts: lyrics, harmony, and structure and will give students opportunity to discuss and workshop their own songs.
This class will be held from 8:00-9:15pm on Mondays: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26 Dec. 3, 10.
Please note: The Passim School of Music is located at 26 Church St. Cambridge, MA. Classrooms are located on the third floor and, unfortunately, we do not have an elevator.
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.
