Rachel Jackson, M.M. ’22
When the pandemic hit, Rachel Jackson, M.M. ’22 found hope in a Messiah graduate program.
Beginning a Master of Music only two months after the pandemic began, she says there was a collective depression in the music community. “For me, a side-effect of the pandemic was a real need for refocus on something positive. This master’s program fulfilled that need,” she said.
When initially searching for a master’s program, she says she looked for a place that would take her to the next level in choral conducting while maintaining a full-time job. “Messiah’s summer intensives combined with the incredibly interactive online fall and spring classes seemed like a perfect fit. The class sizes were small, so there was potential for a real connection,” she said.
Jackson especially connected with Rachel Cornacchio, professor of music. “She is a fabulous instructor and conductor. She is professional, competent and yet encouraging and approachable,” she said.
Originally, Jackson held off on getting her degree for four years. Her only regret is not starting sooner. She said, “I have always been pro-active with personal growth and research, but that could not hold a candle to the professional instruction I received from the wonderful choral-conducting team at Messiah. I have worked in education as well as in the church music environment. This program is a great fit for both worlds. They seek diversity in faculty, students and also look for it in repertoire.”
In Sacramento, California, she works as a full-time conductor at a Presbyterian church, where she leads a choral program and instrumental music academy, focused on music education for the diverse community. She especially enjoys researching for and conducting the Christmas concert, featuring a full orchestra and community choir. “Musical environments are one of the best places where everyone can come together to learn, celebrate, love, mourn or worship, no matter what age, background or culture,” she said.
—Molly McKim ‘23 and Anna Seip