We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rodney Page a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rodney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
As of last year, I am able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. I do realize that I am very blessed to be in that position. Here is how it began. After I quit my job as a teacher in 2009, I began playing the violin at weddings. Then I began DJaying and added that to my package as a wedding violinist. I also started to advertise my services on Facebook and in 2015 I decided to get my own website. Covid-19 definitely slowed my momentum down but now I can proudly say I earn a full-time living from my creative work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a violinist, pianist, composer, conductor, educator, and motivational speaker. I have been playing the violin for 37 years and the piano for 29 years. After graduating from Southfield High School in 1995, I attended Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2000. I taught 5th and 6th grade strings in the East Lansing and St. Johns Public School Districts from 2000-2009. During the summer of 2009 I began my journey as an entrepreneur. I volunteer in schools and most recently have added motivational speaking to my performances at schools. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to stay in business for almost 15 years serving a wide variety of people. I have performed at weddings, schools, jails, prisons, night clubs, and barn parties. I want my potential clients to know that I am professional and easy to work with.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to create something that will impact everyone’s lives. Music truly is a universal language and it is amazing how it can uplift people. I love the fact that I can play my violin with/for someone and I may not be able to even be able to speak their language. In fact, there is no better feeling than evoking a positive response from someone by using music.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had known more information about how to run a business. As a music education major at Michigan State University, my focus was on how to perform and teach music. I had no business classes and didn’t really know the best way to start or sustain a business. It would have been wise of me to take some business classes while in college.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rodneylamarpage.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pagerodn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagerodn
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/pagerodn
- Other: 517-614-1382 (Cell Phone) [email protected] (Email)