Rafael began his violin studies with Sheila Nelson followed by Nannie Jamieson and Detlef Hahn
He went on to study Economics at Peterhouse, Cambridge, and music at the Guildhall with Yfrah Neaman and Jack Glickman, receiving coaching from György Kurtág, Menahem Pressler and Sigmund Nissel.
He was chosen by Sir George Solti to be the only British violinist in the European Chimay Foundation Competition in Belgium. He was a member of the CBSO under Sir Simon Rattle and a founder member of the Schidlof String Quartet for seven years, recording on the Linn label and performing and broadcasting widely throughout Europe and the States.
He is a member of the Allegri Quartet and has recently been appointed Director of the Senior Course at Pro Corda. His violin is by Giovanni Paolo Maggini of Brescia, circa 1600.