He has been commissioned to write music for productions mounted by the National Arts Centre, the Shaw Festival, and the Stratford Festival, as well as Theatre Passe Muraille, Vancouver Playhouse, Theatre Calgary, and the Globe Theatre, Regina.
[1][failed verification] His music has been performed by Carol McLaughlin, Gloria Saarinen and Cenek J. Vrba among others.
Rae studied composition and arranging at the Berklee College of Music.
He began his career as a trumpeter in the Band of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).
[2] He worked for CBC Calgary TV and radio as a composer and conductor from 1966 to 1970.