Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Holder
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and moved to Minneapolis to attend the U of M in 2002. I was majoring in vocal performance and my classical private lesson instructor quickly realized that the program was not a good fit for me and that I needed a contemporary program. During one of our voice lessons she had me call MusicTech College (later known as McNally Smith College of Music). The next semester I transferred to MusciTech where my journey to becoming a professional musician began.
I studied under Judi Vinar who was the head of the vocal department. I was amazed that all of my teachers were also professional musicians. I went out to see live music almost every single night of the week, and even though I was quite shy, I was soon sitting in singing with bands all over the Twin Cities because my teachers were in these bands and would have me up to sing a song or two. I owe my career to Judi Vinar, Lori Dokken, Debbie Duncan, Erin Schwab, and Patty Peterson along with several other amazing instructors. My first gigs were singing with Lori Dokken at The Times Bar and Cafe and subbing for more established singers when they couldn’t make a gig. I quickly learned the importance of versatility and was singing jazz, R&B, country, rock, soul, gospel…anything anyone would hire me to sing. I said yes to everything, even if I didn’t know what I was doing, that could always be figured out later.
I found the Twin Cities musical community to be extremely welcoming and supportive. I have a list of mentors a mile long, muscians who showed me the ropes, inparticular other female singers. There was a complete lack of competition from these wonderful women, most of whom I still sing with 20 years later.
After graduating from McNallySmith, I began teaching in the vocal department. I also was hired as the contemporary voice teacher at Macalester college, where I still teach. I taught at McNally for 10 years before they closed in 2017. Many, if not most of the people I work with today are people I met at McNally. I also teach private voice lessons out of my home in St. Paul. I teach most ages (not kids under 11) and all levels. I love providing my students with the support and knowledge to grow as singers for whatever goals they might have, whether it’s a professional singer wanting to maintain stamina on a long tour or a retiree wanting to explore a new hobby or an aspiring singer looking for a way into the business. I find teaching voice to be extremely rewarding.
I’m really proud of the fact that I”m a full time musician and I love encouraging my students, telling them that they can do it too, and it doesn’t need to mean becoming famous, that being a professional musician is a very realistic and wonderful goal. As long as you are open to all the different paths a life in music can take you down, you can have a very successful career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hmmmm… I suppose it has been both smooth and rocky, like so many things in our lives, it’s not one or the other. This question makes me think of all the green rooms I’ve sat in with musicians over the years talking about our best and worst gigs. The stories are truly astounding. We always say we should compile them for a book someday and I know it would be a fascinating read.
Being a professional musician means you are constantly hustling. There’s no job security, no 401K, no vacation time, no sick days. It takes a lot of vigilance, energy, and creativity. There are crazy busy seasons where I’m completely overwhelmed with work and others where I wonder if I’ll ever get hired again. It makes planning and any sense of routine very difficult at times. I have several jobs and I’m a single mother of two, so life is very full, but doing the same thing everyday, going to the same place with the same people…it’s not for me. Even though the instability of my life can at times be stressful, I wouldn’t change it and I think the example that I’m setting for my kids to love what they do is really valuable.
I tell my students all the time that talent can only get you so far. Being a professional musician requires tenacity and a really thick skin. Being able to handle rejection and criticism is absolutely necessary. The biggest struggle for me was overcoming my shy, introverted nature. I’ve always been a relatively quiet person (when I’m not singing), so I had to find a way of making a name for myself in this business by honoring that part of me, but also by consistently stepping out of my comfort zone. I made a rule with myself to say yes to every opportunity when I was in my 20s, and even though not all those “opportunities” were successful, I learned a lot and I survived. My friend Lori says I’m the bravest singer she’s ever met. I never let fear or inexperience motivate my decisions when it comes to music, As I’ve gotten older and more established, I’ve had the luxury of being more discerning with my choices, but I still like trying new things and working with new people. I feel that I’m very suited for this job.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a singer, voice instructor and choir director. I specialize in contemporary musical styles including: pop, jazz, R&B, folk, musical theatre, gospel etc… I sing in clubs, theatres, private events, and recording studios. I’m known for my versatility.
I’m most proud of the musical community that I’m a part of. I’m honored to be included in such a wonderful group of musicians. The twin cities musical community is really special. I’m also most proud of being a mom. I have two amazing daughters that I bring with me to a lot of my gigs and they’re the coolest people I know.
What sets me apart from others?…Hmmmm… Maybe that I think everyone can and should sing. It’s such an amazing way to express yourself. I always tell people that it’s the way I let people know who I am, it’s the way I tell secrets, I use songs to sing what I can’t say and I think everyone should do it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love reading and listening to anything by Martha Beck, Elizabeth Gilbert, Glennon Doyle and Brene Brown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rachelholdermusic.com
- Instagram: rachelholdermusic
- Facebook: rachelholder
- Youtube: @rachelholder675
