ARTISTS, MUSIC, NAGALAND, NORTHEAST ARTISTS, VIDEO
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Meet Vikhietuonuo Rutsa – Soulful Pianist and Music Teacher from Nagaland

“Music is the key to your soul” As cliché as it may sound, it is always going to be true! Music can trigger feelings and memories, and most importantly, can connect you to the self, the creator or even a stranger thousands of miles away from you. Today we have a sweet soul, who is a pianist, music teacher and youth leader. Vikhietuonuo Rutsa from Nagaland radiates peace and calm, and that you can feel very strongly in her music.

We had a quick chat with the musical genius Vikhietuonuo Rutsa, to talk about what keeps her focused and optimistic, taking risks, and how to prepare for stage performances, as a beginner.

RootsandLeisure_Vikhietuonuo Rutsa

Photo: Vikhietuonuo Rutsa

  • Tell us something about yourself, and when did you start playing?

Hi , my name is Vikhietuonuo Rutsa but my friends call me Vikhie or Vi. I’m 26 years old from Kohima – a Sociologist, a Musician, Youth Chairman and a Worship Leader at Baptist Mission Church, Kohima.

“I started my first piano lesson when I was 10 from Miss Mhalevonuo Zhale. Later on only I was introduced to Trinity Piano Exam Board and was trained under Mam Khyochano TCK Ngully, who diligently groomed me so much as a musician and I’m glad to be working with her even today.

Also, for all that I am able to do today, special credit goes to my mother for the investing in me, supporting and inspiring me all the way. Ever since I started my piano lessons as a kid, she’d tirelessly accompany me to my classes and always makes sure that she’s there wherever I’m performing”

  • Introduce us to your work and what you have been up to recently.

I’m currently working as a Piano teacher in Music Academy Kohima. With so many events held here throughout all seasons, we’re now currently rehearsing for an open house concert happening very soon. Besides that, as already mentioned, I am involved with the youth ministry in BMC, Kohima. One major highlight of our ministry is our small coffee house gathering called “THIS IS MY STORY” We organize it once in a month where we invite people from all different walks of life to come and share their stories and of God’s faithfulness in their life throughout.

I love stories. I love how it can impact the listener and how it can actually unlock someone else’s prison. Morgan Harper Nichols quoted “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” It has been my dream for a long time to organize such a platform and I am thankful and immensely happy that it’s happening.

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  •   What is your creative work philosophy?

For me personally, leaving aside all mantras it’s always a good start with my morning devotion and whenever I feel the need to. This actually helps me to stay focus, see things clearer, be optimistic and ideas and inspirations just pop out which actually works well. Besides that, being a musician creativity is experienced when you don’t stick to just one genre but try out all kinds of it. Attend concerts as a spectator and not just when you are performing. It’s all about taking risks and don’t be afraid to be an explorer.

  • Is there a particular performance or work you’re extremely proud of?

People often tag me as the “Church Girl”  😀 and since I am more inclined to Church music and Worship. Every time I am up on the stage to lead the worship through singing or playing the piano, I feel blessed and extremely happy and satisfied.

Also, someone coming up to me to say that they found joy or peace through my music, always makes me feel nice and proud.

  •  Do you get nervous when you perform? What advice would you give to beginners?

Well, it depends on the type of crowd I am performing for. My advice to beginners would be to stay lowkey. Once you are absolutely comfortable in smaller crowds, then you can move on to larger stages. Worked for me. You can start by performing for your family or small section of people and that is how you will slowly gain your confidence to face the bigger crowd later on.

Moreover, the encouragement from family, friends and well-wishers are indispensable to help build your confidence – and which can surely prepare you well for bigger stages (literally)

You can start by performing for your family or small section of people and that is how you will slowly gain your confidence to face the bigger crowd later on. Moreover, the encouragement from family, friends and well-wishers are indispensable to help build your confidence – and which can surely prepare you well for bigger stages.
  •  How often and how long do you practice?

To be honest, being a teacher we invest so much on our pupil that we tend to neglect our own practice, which is a necessity. So, I’m back to practicing daily as a routine.

RootsandLeisure_Vikhietuonuo Rutsa

Photo: Vikhietuonuo Rutsa

Watch and Listen to Vikhie Rutsa play ‘Nuvole Bianche’ by Ludovico Einaudi’ on our YouTube [link below]

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