Rachel Bullen grew up in Melbourne, Australia. She studied at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, and then Melbourne University where she was awarded the Lady Turner Exhibition for Excellence in Performance.
After meeting Emanuel Abbühl at the Australian National Academy of Music Double Reed program, Rachel moved to Europe to continue her studies with him. Studying in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Rachel was involved in various orchestral and new music projects, and also worked with the Radio Chamber Orchestra.
Wishing to extend her knowledge further, Rachel moved on to Munich, Germany, to study with François Leleux. And she stayed in Germany as a freelance oboist until she won her position with Esbjerg Ensemble in Denmark.
With Esbjerg Ensemble, Rachel was a full-time chamber musician from 2009-2016, playing music from across the repertoire from baroque to contemporary. Her work there included tours to Taiwan, China, Russia, Turkey, Sweden, and Iceland.
In 2016, Rachel returned to her hometown. Since then she has performed as guest principal oboe with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Rachel currently teaches at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
