W'AIR Are They Now? Rochelle Rice, Class of 2015
Rochelle Rice, Artist in Residence (AIR) Class of 2015, is a singer, songwriter, and podcaster whose connection to Strathmore has only deepened since her residency. Now serving as program director for the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, Rochelle reflects on the lasting impact of her residency and Strathmore’s commitment to supporting artists throughout their careers. “Strathmore does a great job, particularly Betty Scott, of walking alongside us and continuing to engage with our artistry and work,” she says. “It’s not a one-touch experience—it’s a true partnership.”
How did your Strathmore residency impact your career?
When I did my Strathmore residency, I was singing but had no recordings. I didn’t know where to begin. The biggest thing that came out of my residency is my album, Wonder. Cathy Fink lit a fire under my talent. She connected me to Bias Studio and helped me gather a timeline. Some of the music on the album I wrote during my residency.
What was most memorable about your experience as an AIR?
The most memorable part was feeling “held” throughout the process. Most Strathmore AIR are beginning their careers and, even though there was so much I didn’t know, I was tapped into people who could guide and invest in me. That has continued. I’ve maintained a relationship with Strathmore all these years. It feels like home, whether singing for a gala, coming to donor experiences, or doing the student Blues concert every year. Now I’m developing the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, which feels like a natural progression of my relationship with Strathmore.
Can you describe this new fellowship?
The Artistic Advancement Fellowship is fully individualized, supporting two fellows not only with financial but also operational and strategic resources to help move their careers to the next level. That includes helping them establish, navigate, and maintain industry relationships. Fellows are paired with mentors to develop a game plan: Do they need to tour, rebrand themselves, or record a new album? It gives fellows the resources and people power to do what all artists want to do but often can’t as independent brands.
What was your role in developing the Artistic Advancement Fellowship?
In 2021, Betty Scott came to me about a new program and asked me to think about what it might look like. I spoke with AIR alums, reviewed Strathmore surveys, and pitched this idea. Strathmore provided resources and time to spend two years of research and development, and we’re continuing to refine it.