This week, we chat to Vicquinn Eraldo September, a local musician, whose business provides one-on-one lessons for those interested in learning acoustic guitar.
Q: When and how did you first get into playing guitar?
A: I first started getting into playing guitar around 2009. At first, I wanted to be a drummer, but because there was no guitarist at the church I went to at the time, I decided to take it up and make it my own.
Q: What inspired you to start teaching others to play?
A: My inspiration for teaching others comes from a place of wanting to make a difference in the lives of others and just show that what was deemed impossible was possible. Playing music fosters patience and perseverance as one masters new techniques. It also provides a meaningful outlet for stress relief and a way to connect with others through shared performances. Ultimately, music enriches lives, bringing joy and a lifelong appreciation for art and culture.
Q: Describe your musical journey and training.
A: My journey started in the church. That’s where my biggest influence comes from, to give God the glory with the gift he has given me and to express my passion. I had a teacher in high school, Mrs Mostert. She taught me basic chords and because I was so eager, she told me she couldn’t teach me further because I knew more than her. I will always be grateful and thankful for her influence.
Q: What do you teach?
A: I teach acoustic guitar.
Q: Who are your lessons aimed at — beginners, advanced players, or both?
A: I teach beginners, who have no idea how the guitar works and also musicians who would like to be better than what they are now.
Q: What does a typical lesson with you look like?
A: I will introduce guitar basics and the details of it. I will familiarise you with the fretboard and the different strings. I offer one-hour lessons and four-lesson packages.
Q: Where are your lessons held?
A: At Shiloh Fellowship in Parkside (55 Windyridge Road). I am flexible to do lessons elsewhere as well.
Q: What challenges have you faced and overcome?
A: The biggest challenge I have in my teaching is dealing with people who doubt themselves and people who are impatient with their progress. I am still working on overcoming those challenges as I am a novice when it comes to teaching. On bad days when I want to give up, I can’t because there’s work that needs to be done.
Q: What role does music play in your life outside of teaching?
A: I play in the church band, and I am also available to do acoustic gigs.
Q: Do you perform or compose music as well?
A: I have composed a couple of songs, but I have never really pursued a career as a performer (or writer).
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences or guitar heroes?
A: My biggest musical influences are the local guys from the Buffalo Flats community. They are my biggest influences because crossing paths with them has helped me with my journey.
Q: What are your long-term goals for your teaching?
A: My long-term teaching goals are to ensure that once ‘the student will become the master’. I want to offer more people the opportunity to use their skills to help the communities they come from.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring guitarists?
A: The advice I would give to aspiring guitarists is, if you really want it, go for it. Trust the process and study hard!
Q: Why did you decide to venture into the business of teaching guitar lessons?
A: Music has always been my passion. It’s always been something I enjoy and love to do and when I decided to make it a business, it gave me more motivation to step up my game because people are paying. You can’t waste their time and their money. I am encouraged to improve my own skills as a guitarist. So making it a business means that I have to make it work, even on days when I feel I’m not going anywhere. Business motivates me to focus on my personal level and growth as a musician.
