Rachel Page
Rachel Page
Class Year
’10
Current home
Chicago, Ill.
Major(s)
Music Theatre
Current Position
Performer, pianist, and vocal instructor
A Carthage Lincoln Scholar, Rachel Page graduated magna cum laude in 2010 with a degree in music theatre.
Today, she is a performer, pianist, and vocal instructor in Chicago. She runs her own vocal studio, where she teaches professional and beginning students ages 13-50. She plays piano for theatre companies, including improvising with Second City Chicago. She has performed with Second City Theatricals on Norwegian Cruise Lines, writes musicals for The Music Institute of Chicago, and performs with her dueling pianist company Side by Side Cabaret.
“I’ve been working constantly in my field since the day I graduated,” she says.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“Oh my gosh, all of it! I’ve been able to travel, tour, and make music on my own schedule. I’ve met incredibly motivated, talented, and kind people, and I’ve gotten to create and share art. My day-to-day life is always different, and I am constantly challenged and working to make myself better.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I learned how to cultivate a love of practicing, both at the piano and vocally. I discovered Estill Vocal Training, which I now teach and use every single day. As an RA, I learned how to work with many personality types, which has proved crucial as a teacher and collaborator. Most importantly though, I was lucky enough to have some professors who genuinely cared about my future, and really advocated for me both during college and after I graduated. Corinne Ness, Lorian Stein-Schwaber, and Peter Dennee helped me figure out how to make my own opportunities and how to turn negative circumstances into positive ones. They were also there to hold my hand when I needed it.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“My thesis project was directing and music directing a full-length musical. I needed to be able to incorporate all the tiny details, yet not lose sight of the bigger picture — the show itself. I hit a decent amount of roadblocks as I progressed through the project. I lost a cast member, props got thrown away, and there is never enough rehearsal time. I had to think creatively about every aspect of each scene; I had to facilitate communication between my choreographer, my cast members, and my professors; and I had to learn how to let things go. In the end, though, it was the best project I had created in four years at Carthage. It taught me how important it is to make your own work.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“There are too many memories to list — a lot of them social, because I made great connections and lasting friendships at Carthage. I took my first voice lessons at Carthage; those two hours were always a highlight of my week. I went on some amazing choir tours with the Carthage Treble Choir, Carthage Choir, and Lincoln Chamber Singers. I was an RA for two years and loved it. I was chosen to sing the National Anthem at my graduation.
“I think the best thing Carthage has to offer is its professors. I felt like each one of my professors had my well being in mind. I felt like I was an individual personality, not just a face in a class. My professors always made time for me, even when they weren’t in my major. I could stop in an office and contemplate life or assignments and then make jokes about both. I owe a lot to my mentors.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Make your own work! I cannot say it enough! Stop waiting for a company to cast you. Stop waiting to audition for a show until you are good enough. Put up your own shows. Work with peers. Swap skills. Create opportunities. STAY MOTIVATED. Network, but don’t be needy or insincere. Network by being good at your job.
“Never stop taking classes and improving yourself. I took two full years of improv classes. I am a full-time professional voice teacher, and I still take lessons from four different vocal instructors. A degree isn’t the end of your education. Once you get out in the real world, you realize everyone is talented. Talent only means so much. Be confident in your abilities, but know you will only get further if you are motivated.
“Most importantly: Work hard, believe in yourself and BE SINCERELY KIND. You will go far. I’ve spent the past five years with that in mind, and I’ve been working constantly in my field since the day I graduated.”