Eye on Entrepreneurs: Talent is his only capital

Alvin Bolaños started in the music-coaching business back in April 2004, teaching his students to strum, pluck, and pick classical guitars (also known as the "Spanish guitar" or "nylon string guitar") The 37-year-old musician always derived pleasure in playing the guitar. “I started playing it when I was 18, and teaching others about this kind of art has eventually become a passion," says Bolaños. With his talent as his only capital, Bolaños charges P400 per student for every guitar-training session, which lasts for four hours. He earns P6,400 per week teaching four students who live close to his residence. “I could actually have more students if I wanted to but I also teach. I have a very limited time," says Bolaños, who professionally teaches at Miriam College High School in Quezon City. Bolaños wants to establish his own music studio soon. “But my market is expanding. There are some who ask me to teach them how to write and compose songs," he says. A notable personality in Brunei had asked Bolaños to be his personal trainer in guitar-playing. He however turned it down because he would be "sacrificing family time," recalls Bolaños, who has a lovely daughter. In a year, Bolaños — together with his sister and wife — can accommodate 20 students who want to learn how to play the guitar. After six years of providing guitar lessons, Bolaños has become even more sensitive in helping both children and adults learn to play the guitar. Bolaños says: “My students can easily learn how to play guitar. I can already let them go after six sessions." He points out that he can sustain his market by constant marketing and advertising. “Of course, I also need to continue developing my craft," he says. -- OMG, GMANews.TV