Preserving the Soul of Music: An Interview With Aquiles Figueroa
By Lea Byrnes Art
Aquiles Figueroa, owner and shop foreman of the StradHouse Violin Shop, is a highly skilled and established luthier located in Phoenix, Arizona. Instrument-making and restoration has been his passion for upwards of two decades, and he has served his community by teaching music and instrument-making for many years. Aquiles describes himself as a dedicated educator and a man devoted to his family, which includes his wife and two young daughters. The StradHouse Violin Shop was established in 2013, and has been providing world-class education, instrument repair services, and high quality instruments ever since. In addition to being an alumnus of the Meadowmount School of Music in New York, Aquiles also received his degree in Violin Performance from the University of Tulsa. At the Universities of Arkansas, Fayetteville and Oklahoma, Aquiles also earned his master’s in performance and orchestral conducting. Throughout his rigorous studies and career, he has worked with numerous distinguished professors and musicians. Today, he heads a private teaching studio and has taught violin at many notable academies including Barthelmes Conservatory, Brophy College Prep, Sounds Academy, and more.
Photography by Jeremiah Scheffer of Blushing Cactus Photography
Aquiles’ musical journey began in 1989, when he began to learn to play the violin in middle school. “Music was very much a way to handle a tumultuous childhood and a way to focus on skill building, learning discipline, and staying out of trouble,” he shared with us. By 2002, Aquiles had begun his luthier studies with numerous experts in the field. Aquiles has since become a skilled instrument restorer and appraiser, with experience valuing instruments from some of the world’s finest violin makers. About his learning process, he says, “My goal in life is to know a little bit more about the world today than I did yesterday. I make instruments of music and I believe passionately in repair culture. The preservation of classic instruments is paramount to learning how to preserve the things that make life worth living. Making new pieces is a part of feeding the future with affordable, high-quality gear and a personal expression of sound and soul.”
Aquiles says that his current focus in his career is “...perfecting the process to yield greater levels of quality, faster with more consistency; and to have a greater impact on the musicians I serve.” He provides his instruction and services to musicians from all stages and walks of life. He explains, “Many are also lawyers, nurses, teachers, home makers, law enforcement, military, chefs, engineers, scientists,.. the list goes on. They all come to me wanting some help in maintaining their passion and the catharsis that comes from personal artistic expression. For them, it may not be a professional endeavor; but one based on stable mental health, emotional stability, or a personal space to develop something to love and to have self confidence.” Helping people develop their musical passion is Aquiles’ favorite part of what he does.
Photography by Brandy Isadora
When it comes to his support system, Aquiles shares, “My colleagues in the field and at my shop are a constant source of emotional support and momentum when things get hard. My family is absolutely integral to my survival. My wife and two daughters bring laughter, complexity, inspiration, focus, and purpose to my life. With them, I have a sense of continuity as my life shapes theirs and I have a chance to end the cycles of guilt and oppression that we can so often inherit from older generations.” At 44 years old, Aquiles finds earnest joy in the simple moments of waking his children up in the morning, feeding them breakfast, packing their lunches, and driving them to school. One of the most powerful lessons he has learned throughout his life is the power of focus. “A consistent 20 minute activity daily whether it's practice, exercise, bookkeeping, reading, or some kind of professional output can completely change your world,” he shares with us.
Aquiles’ biggest advice to other aspiring artists is to stay dedicated. “Cultivate yourself,” he says, “Like a thriving garden, you cannot just grow the fruit. You need many plants and creatures that support your ecosystem. Likewise, becoming financially literate, utilizing time management, and having occupational boundaries can be the key to flourishing and being free enough to dedicate more and more time to your craft and art.” Many students throughout the years have been lucky enough to gleam insight from the skills and teachings shared with them by Aquiles. The life and career of Aquiles Figueroa has served as an inspiration to countless young artists, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come.
