Music educator and founder of Vowinist Music Academy, Samavi Louis, has called for greater attention to structured music education, saying learning music should be viewed as both a valuable skill and a potential source of livelihood.
Louis made the call while speaking on the Ask the Expert segment of Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, where he discussed music education, entrepreneurship, technology and opportunities in the creative industry.
He explained that knowledge of one musical instrument can provide a useful foundation for learning others, particularly instruments within related families. However, he stressed that being a skilled instrumentalist does not necessarily make someone an effective teacher.
According to him, music educators must understand their students and tailor their teaching methods to their age, ability and concentration level.
Louis said structured music education helps people acquire skills that can create employment and additional income opportunities. He noted that musicians can use their abilities to secure jobs, perform at events, teach others or earn income while pursuing other careers.
He also highlighted the therapeutic value of music, recalling an occasion when he was invited to play guitar for a hospital patient.
On online learning, Louis said technology had made music education more accessible by allowing students to receive lessons from the comfort of their homes.
He said Vowinist Music Academy operates physical, virtual and hybrid classes, with online lessons enabling students to see musical notes, finger movements and programmed beats during instruction.
According to him, the academy earns revenue mainly through tuition, learning materials, workshops and musical performances.
Louis advised parents seeking music education for their children to consider more than the cost of lessons when choosing an academy or instructor.
He said parents should assess the instructor’s ability to teach, the structure of the programme and whether lessons are designed around children’s concentration spans.
He recommended that parents attend their children’s initial classes to observe the learning environment and understand how instructors interact with their children.
Louis also urged music educators to maintain communication with parents and provide feedback on children’s progress and behaviour where necessary.
Addressing the challenges faced by talented Nigerian musicians who struggle to make a living from their craft, he said music education should incorporate business and entrepreneurial skills.
He stressed the importance of digital visibility, urging musicians to build their brands on social media and take advantage of opportunities available online.
Louis said the music industry had moved beyond traditional physical platforms, making it necessary for musicians to understand technology, digital marketing and personal branding.
He noted that social media platforms can help musicians attract clients, secure performance opportunities and develop alternative income streams.
The music educator said musicians who want to remain relevant must continuously learn, evolve and adapt to technological changes.
Speaking on his long-term ambition, Louis said he hopes to build Vowinist Music Academy into a globally recognised brand with branches across Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.
He disclosed that the academy already has physical branches in Oban, Ajah and Sabo, while expressing plans to expand to other Nigerian states and international markets, including the United States and United Kingdom.
Louis added that his vision includes empowering other instructors to manage branches and build successful careers within the organisation.
He said his ultimate measure of success would be to establish a music education brand capable of operating beyond his personal involvement while creating opportunities for music educators and professionals globally.
