Interview with Paige Rutledge
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Music at the University of Guelph?
Hi! My name is Paige Rutledge, and I am a 2020 graduate from U of G! I am a country singer/songwriter and get to travel across Canada playing shows with my band. You may also know my name if you go to the Stampede Ranch as my band and I have been playing there since 2023!
I chose to study music at the University of Guelph because I was really drawn to the culture and environment at the school. There are so many different genres and styles of music welcomed at Guelph and that was something that was exciting to me.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
One of my favourite parts about the program was that all types of styles were accepted. You did not necessarily have to be a classical musician or a jazz musician to succeed. During my last semester at Guelph, I was given the opportunity to take a professional development class over reading week that allowed for a focus on working in the industry- which has been very helpful for after graduation and navigating the music scene. This course has now been developed into a full semester class which I have been invited back to speak at twice.
The professors also played a huge role for me during my time at Guelph- many of which I have maintained a relationship with after graduating. Dr. Kimberly Francis and Dr. Alyssa Woods are two of the many professors who have made an impact on my musical career. Most of my classes were smaller, so this allowed for a close relationship between student and professor. Both Dr. Francis and Dr. Woods created lectures that were not only extremely informative but also created a very welcoming environment.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am currently a full-time country musician! I have been extremely fortunate to be able to actually do music and travel and get to play shows with my band! I released my debut EP, Break Up Rules, in September 2024 and have since had the title track of the EP play on Sirius XM radio across Canada and FM broadcasting stations across Ontario.
I also spend time working at U of G in the Applied Music program!
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
During my time at Guelph, I was given many opportunities to be involved on campus and in the community. This translated to developing real-life skills of collaborating and working with different people, all of which are very important in the music industry. The music program and the University also gave me numerous opportunities for performance, which is what I get to do every day now!
The actual music courses, especially the professional development course, were directly applicable to my career as I ended up booking “Hillside Inside” during February 2021! The festival booker was one of our speakers that came in during that course and because of that I got to build that relationship and end up working because of it!
What advice would you give someone considering the Music program or applying to the University of Guelph?
Going to Guelph was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was extremely nervous to start University and was really questioning if I was making the right decision or not going to school (because you can’t go to school to be a country musician). When I think back to my time spent at Guelph, I only have good things to say. I still keep in touch with many of my colleagues, professors and friends that I made along the way- all of which I think translates to the kind of environment that the University has created.
I would recommend the music program at Guelph to anyone who is interested in pursuing music after education. The instructors are all highly skilled and working musicians who can offer guidance and support for next steps.
I can honestly say that I would not be where I am in my career if I had not gone to Guelph, and I am so proud to be a Gryphon!
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
I love the Bullring! Not only did I go there for the open mics every Wednesday but I would often go there for lunch or dinner with my roommates. I used to get the turkey club (which I don’t think they have on the menu anymore)! It was by far my favourite food and overall vibe on campus.
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
Probably the Bullring! I really loved the vibes at the Bullring so I would spend a lot of time there!
What was your pre-exam ritual?
I’m a big pre-game (pre-exam) music person so I would put on my pump-up playlist before to get into the right mindset!
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
This is a tough question, it’s hard to pick just 5! I think I would say the overall vibe on campus, open mics at the Bullring, the professors in the music program, the Tim Hortons in the arena (used to stop there every morning!!), and how proud every student is to be a Gryphon!
