Angelle Ruth Ardena

Hi, I'm Angelle from the Philippines. Music has always been a big part of my life. I graduated from the University of San Agustin with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2017. While working as a barista after my studies, I discovered my passion for teaching music to young people when I was given the opportunity to teach a guitar to a young boy as a side hustle.

I was a Band Scholar and played various instruments including the Tenor Horn, Trumpet, French Horn, and etc. My first instruments were the Piano and Guitar, and I have fond (and sometimes frustrating) memories of learning them as a kid.

After finishing my studies, I returned my brass instrument to the school and embarked on a new journey. I kept my passion for music alive by playing my uncle's electric guitar without amplifier as if it was an acoustic and picking up piano by ear. Music was just a hobby until I started teaching guitar to that young boy I mentioned above, which paid fairly well.

During the pandemic, I learned to play the ukulele and melodica. I always wanted to play the saxophone but couldn't afford one so, I played the melodica as if it was a saxophone. I eventually started playing at events with other musicians, which led to the creation of Affettuoso Academy. Hoever, it wasn't sustainable as we all had other careers, so we only have a few students left.

I became independent in teaching music as I used to do. While music remained a side hustle, I focused more on arts, but I couldn't take music out of my life. A new opportunity came, and I applied to a well-known University in my city to teach guitar in a group setting every Friday. It was a big step for me since I was used to teaching just one student at a time. Being a teacher is a great privilege.

Because of this experience, I was qualified to teach at the Yamaha School of Music in my city, where most teachers have degrees of masters in music. By God's Grace, I was given the opportunity to be there, where my skills improved, and I gained more knowledge from the humble teachers who shared their expertise and advice with me. That's how my music journey continued.

I use a holistic approach when it comes to teaching music. Of course, fun is always included.