Music is a labour of love for 25-year-old piano tutor Amosa Junior Lene-Isara and he is hoping to build a music school one day so he can continue passing on the knowledge of music to Samoan children.

Mr. Lene-Isara is from the villages of Lefaga, Salamumu and Avao. The civil servant teaches music after he returns from work and also in the weekends.

Teaching music and piano started when he was still in school. He had a talent and used it to make money while growing up. He could do this from and not worry about it interfering with his school work.

Mr. Lene-Isara was born in Samoa but grew up in New Zealand. He spent most of his life in New Zealand until he and his parents agreed to send him back home in 2020.

“I started playing at the age of 10, when I was in intermediate school until I earned a certificate in piano and music at Rongotai College in New Zealand,” he said.

When he arrived three years ago, he thought that he would continue teaching music here as well. Some of his earlier students are now responsible for playing pianos in some of the churches in Samoa.

Mr. Lene-Isara said there was talent in Samoa and he was more than happy to share his knowledge. He said his classes are done either face-to-face or online through Zoom.

The face-to-face classes take place inside Mr. Lene-Isara's home. He said he is hoping to buy one or two pianos as currently he owns one.

The youngest of his students are around 12 years old while there are some are older than him.

“It is not just playing the piano that I teach them but also the notes and how notes are widely distributed in each bars. I make, compose, teach and write piano lessons including Methodist and E.F.K.S song notes," he said. 

"I am proud that I have got a talent to share that anyone at any age can be taught.” 

Mr. Isara hopes that with time he will be able to expand his little music school.

“Hopefully someday, I would build my own school of music, quit my job and start working full-time for my students,” he said.