Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquelle Blackwood.
Hi Raquelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Savannah in May of 2021, knowing nothing except that I needed a change.
I had been dealing with a slew of mental health issues, I was anxiously awaiting a diagnosis, and it seemed like several parts of my previous life in Nashville were beginning to unravel. I knew I needed to move but had no idea where I wanted to go. I’m a singer/songwriter among other creative pursuits, so I needed a vibrant artistic community to land in that would be enough to keep me writing, but I was so burnt out on the Nashville “hustle” culture that I didn’t even know that I wanted an artistic career anymore.
Through a series of spiritually-guided moments that feels superfluous to include here, I ended up in this beautiful city. I waited tables while I figured out what to do. My serving job ended up shutting down temporarily so I needed to find a job–quickly. I had always felt unqualified to teach, but I had a music degree that I had yet to fully use; so I found myself applying for a few positions in the area despite my creeping imposter syndrome.
After a miracle opening and another serving job under my belt, I began teaching one day a week at a local studio. I instantly loved it and found that all my feelings of disqualification were unwarranted since I evidently had a knack for it. One month later, I was teaching full-time between two studios. In that same month, I was gifted a free upright piano through a friend-of-a-friend, and my little studio was up and running!
I’ve been incredibly blessed to have been able to start a business in the middle of a pandemic, but I feel as if I’ve found my place. I’m a proud full-time music teacher now with a budding side business called School of Raq, after the nickname I’ve proudly claimed since high school.
Since opening, I’ve expanded my services to include piano, voice, and guitar lessons, composition theory, and songwriting lessons, as well as artistic consultation and project planning based on my own experience releasing music.
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?
Opening a business during the pandemic? There as absolutely been challenges! I have thankfully gotten to a point where I have a full schedule and regular clientele, but at first, I questioned giving up many, many times.
I always wonder what could happen in the future, too. I mean, music lessons aren’t exactly considered a “need to have” in many people’s lives. But I’ve also seen how incredibly therapeutic these lessons can be for some people, and I trust that I’m able to make a difference in my own, small way.
I hope there continues to be a place for this work, even though our world is seriously struggling. But I think people need the escape; so I’m allowing myself to feel comfortable with the growth as long as possible!
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 teach music lessons in a general sense.
But I specialize in helping people bring their artistic dreams to come to life. I’ve spent over 10 years as a performing artist and singer/songwriter, so I understand how tough it can be. I had no idea that releasing music in my old band buddy’s garage would provide the necessary experience to help others learn how to release their own music, but so be it. I still can’t believe I get paid to do what I do!
I wear a lot of hats. I guide people through the release process, and I help them with songwriting, and chord theory–seriously, WHATEVER they’re needing in the current moment. Sometimes the lessons turn into impromptu therapy sessions. I’m a nut for mental health anything and as someone who’s gone down that road many times in my life, I’m thankful that people entrust me with their vulnerability.
I’m even expanding my services to include voice training for trans people. It might take some time to get the necessary qualifications to feel really comfortable offering the service, but most places charge outrageous prices for services that often aren’t even in-person.
This feels so wrong to me since trans individuals already face hardships and financial insecurity from employment discrimination, so I’m determined to offer them at the rate I currently offer my regular music lessons. Until my qualification is complete, I’m currently accepting anybody who is willing to experiment with their voice with the knowledge that I am learning as I go.
Overall, I’m most proud of the fact that people trust me. I didn’t have a specialized teaching degree, so originally, I felt deeply unqualified. Over time though, I realized that maybe that was what set me apart from other teachers: I don’t have this idea in my mind of how the process “needs” to go, based on some abstract idea of tradition.
I see what people need on the day they see me and adapt to that moment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think the only other bit that I’d like to share is encouragement.
Your dream will find its way out into reality if you just let it. Don’t force it, though–because it may come in a slightly different presentation than you expected.
Either way, it will be incredibly sweet if you enjoy the moment in which it presents itself. Chances are that it’s already there, waiting for you. Seeing it is a matter of choice, and I dearly hope that you choose it.
Pricing:
- $40/hour flat rate for all services or $20/half hour.
Contact Info:
- Email: schoolofraq@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelleblackwood/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM81u0P4DrX_8OfSncbqcEA
