Eduardo Ruiz

“Through the universal language of music, I discovered a powerful way of building connections”

Eduardo Ruiz

Country of origin: Peru

Occupation: Music Educator & Concert Artist

State of Residency: NSW

Favourite place in Australia: The Opera House. I dream of performing there one day

Upon arrival: Surprised by the high-rise buildings in the urban landscape

Edited by Cristina Abela. Socials by Monica Espinosa.

Eduardo is a music instructor at the Young Regional Conservatorium in NSW. He passionately delivers both classroom and individual classical guitar lessons throughout the Hilltops region. Renowned for his expertise he has had the honor of performing at illustrious venues such as Flinders University, Elder Hall, and the Floriade Festival. He has showcased his talent for distinguished personalities including The Governor of South Australia, Honourable Frances Adamson AC, and the globally acclaimed Peruvian Tenor, Juan Diego Flores. Notably, his artistry has been acknowledged with two awards at the Recitals Australia Lunch Hour Series. He is fully dedicated to nurturing a profound musical journey for his students and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the Hilltops region.

TELL US YOUR STORY

Eduardo with Juan Diego Flores - one of the best tenors of the world.

In 2019, driven by a fervent passion for the arts and a desire for a brighter future, I left Peru, leaving behind the financial uncertainties of the music program where I dedicated my time. Fast forward five years, I proudly graduated from the University of Adelaide, opening the door to a new chapter as a music teacher at the esteemed Young Regional Conservatorium.

My journey began with aspirations for growth, prompted by my role as a music educator in Peru. Seeking advancement, I ambitiously applied for the Endeavor Leading Award Program in 2019, facing disappointment. Undeterred, armed with all my credentials, I set my sights on Australia, determined to find pathways into universities despite financial hurdles.

Upon my arrival, due to my limited English proficiency, I gained a dishwasher position in a restaurant. A turning point emerged when I secured an audition for a local band in Melbourne, leading to a role as a music teacher. While attempting to transfer my teaching style from Peru; cultural and linguistic differences proved difficult, and resulted in the loss of a few students. Determined to bridge this gap, I volunteered in a school to understand the nuances of the Australian educational system. This experience allowed me to refine my teaching approach, showcasing my commitment to continuous improvement.

Persisting on my journey as a music educator, I engaged with diverse schools and balanced my time working in different restaurant settings. Suddenly, the global pandemic struck, so I couldn’t move to Melbourne. Nevertheless, my journey continued as I secured a place and a scholarship at the University of Adelaide to study a Master of Music Performance and Pedagogy.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I embraced a new chapter in Adelaide, fully immersing myself in my academic pursuits. A significant turning point was about to occur when I auditioned for the Recitals Australia Lunch Hour series. Securing an award, I presented a repertoire from Johann Sebastian Bach to Astor Piazzolla. The live-streamed auditions on Facebook garnered attention and paved the way for performances at various venues in Adelaide, including special appearances at Peruvian events and a memorable presentation at Flinders University. Additionally, I participated in the production of "I Am Fine" during the fringe festival, earning critical acclaim and an impressive 4-star rating. The culmination came with my graduation from the University of Adelaide, signifying a milestone. This achievement opened doors to a position as a music teacher at the esteemed Young Regional Conservatorium (YRC) in NSW.

In my current role at YRC, I teach both individual and group lessons, actively participating in concert coordination alongside parents, and representing the institution in concerts across Australia. I engage in collaboration with the Peruvian Embassy, contributing to events in Canberra. Through the embassy, I had the honour of meeting the renowned Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flores and Opera producer Greg Hocking.

Through my musical performances across Australia, I try to foster a cultural bridge between Peru and Australia. I am dedicated to deliver music education in remote areas where there is a lack of professional music instructors. By doing so, I am looking forward to improve the the skills of guitar students at the conservatorium. Notably, one of my students has earned a scholarship from the conservatorium, highlighting the positive impact of this educational initiative.

Currently, I am promoting my upcoming event, "Melodies Across Peru," dedicated to celebrating Peruvian Independence Day (2024).

CHALLENGES

Language - Overcoming the language barrier has been key for my journey. To conquer this obstacle, I connected with locals and committed time to immersing myself in audio, visual, and literary sources, including songs. I remember that during a pedagogy course I enrolled to improve my teaching skills, I struggled to maintain attention during a presentation and shedding a few tears, the supportive teachers motivated me to press on. Connecting with locals has significantly contributed to improve my English. In the realm of language, relentless learning is paramount—never cease the quest for knowledge.

Relationships - Establishing meaningful connections becomes notably challenging without a high level of English. Initially, I gravitated towards the Latino community, finding comfort in familiar surroundings; however, this somewhat limited my opportunities to improve my English. With weekend work, impeding pub outings, I sought alternative avenues, such as joining choirs, to cultivate friendships with English speakers. Through the universal language of music, I discovered a powerful way of building connections and navigating through challenging times alongside newfound friends. Music not only served as a common ground but also became a shared refuge, allowing us to stay connected during difficult moments.

Eduardo at work: Young Regional Conservatorium (2023)

Employment - I consider myself fortunate to have received initial assistance from a fellow music teacher in structuring my cover letter and I consistently update it to reflect my evolving experiences. I took any music-related job, having taught piano, guitar, ukulele, choirs, and provided both group and individual lessons. As a primarily self-employed individual, building connections with parents and student, and acquiring clients had challenges: I sent resumes to approximately 500 schools. This resulted in securing positions at two schools, generating enough student interest for two full days of teaching. Additionally, I revamped all my social media platforms to highlight my work and expertise, making it easier for potential employers to find me. I contribute to my professional visibility and connections in the field by taking pictures with every music teacher I encounter.

CONTRASTS AND SIMMILARITIES

Safety - One significant contrast between Peru and Australia lies in the level of safety. A vivid memory stands out when I participated in a gig at a festival in Melbourne. All musicians were required to leave their equipment inside a bus before the performance. Upon our return, the bus had disappeared, but to our surprise, our belongings were safely placed next to a tree on the street, and not a single item was lost. The incident left me pleasantly amased at the remarkable safety standards in Australia.

Public transport - Another distinction is the well-organized public transport system. In Australia, buses adhere to a strict schedule, departing at specific times. Missing a bus means waiting for the next one, a notable shift from the constant availability of buses in Peru. Adjusting to the scheduled waiting times was not only a change in mindset but also occasionally inconvenient.

Weather - Australia has a lot of weather fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of readiness for diverse conditions. The exteme climate could mean bitterly cold winters and scorching hot summers.

PIECE OF ADVICE

Preparation is key - Learning the language is crucial (I arrived with an IELTS Band 7, and while manageable, aiming for a higher grade would be beneficial). If considering migration, consult with a migration agent beforehand. Discuss your specific case to strategically plan the most effective pathway for your journey. If you are looking for a job make sure your social media platforms are updated to showcase your skills.

Highlight your individuality - Everyone has a unique talent, a superpower. Regularly show this skill among friends, on social media, and at work - demonstrate the significant value you can bring to the table.

Provide maximum value - Amid struggles, after seeking solace through tears and conversations, I consistently questioned what I was doing wrong. The recurring answer always pointed towards the value I could offer to others. For example, during a period of difficulty securing house cleaning jobs, I invested in a vacuum cleaner to enhance service quality, exceeding client expectations and resulting in increased satisfaction and clientele.

Melbourne Performing Arts Academy (2019). His first position within the music sector.

IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS…

Eduardo aspires to perform in auditoriums across Australia, sharing the richness of Peruvian music. He plans to create workshops for schools, introducing young minds to the captivating melodies of his homeland. Additionally, he aims to establish an ensemble dedicated to promoting Peruvian music, record albums and undertaking global tours to showcase his cultural heritage. The inaugural step towards realising this dream will be taken on July 26th at 7 pm, with a concert at the Atheneum Theatre in Melbourne. You can get tickets for his performance HERE.