Ailsa's Blog: Meet Our Members: Rachel Page

My upbringing was influenced by music. I commenced piano lessons at the age of six and began studying the bassoon at eleven. My siblings also played instruments, and we would enjoy playing together.

I became the pianist for a newly formed junior choir at our church, which significantly contributed to my development as a performer and provided skills that have continued to support my efforts in encouraging children's musical pursuits. Ultimately, I assumed the role of choir leader, an experience that offered substantial professional growth.

During my own school years, I had the privilege of recording episodes of 'Time and Tune' with the school choir at the BBC, working alongside people such as Jonny Morris and Brian Kaye from the King's Singers. These sessions concluded with a modest lunch allowance which we enjoyed in the BBC canteen. We spent it on a BBC - Beans, Bangers and Chips - which was the highlight of the day!

After completing my education, I trained as a piano technician, dedicating ten years to restoring pianos at the Piano Warehouse in London. Sometimes I was asked to perform in the showroom for customers selecting instruments.

As my children grew up, I volunteered at their school, assisting with recorder lessons and accompanying the choir. This involvement led to a TA role in which I taught class music lessons, directed the school orchestra, managed a performing arts club and taught whole class recorders. I have worked for Hertfordshire Music Service, visiting various schools to provide piano tuition. I now work at a local primary school and also teach piano and theory privately.

I was committed to providing my children with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, and I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that music education has had on their lives. I am so grateful to all the teachers who gave my children so much of their time to encourage them in their musical journeys.

Currently, all three are professionally engaged in the music industry: my eldest is a bassoonist, pianist and works as a secondary school music teacher; my second child is a percussionist with the Band of the Royal Marines; my daughter works as a freelance violist with various orchestras.

I believe it is so important for all children to have the opportunity to participate in music as it enhances their self-confidence, boosts self-esteem and aids development in so many other ways.

I am sincerely appreciative of the encouragement I received to engage with music in my youth, as it has become an indispensable part of my life.

I can't imagine a life without music!