Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Hafoka.
Victor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a professional touring musician, songwriter, and keyboardist. I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota being the youngest boy out of my 13 siblings. All of my siblings are musically talented and either sing or play some sort of instrument. I didn’t really want to be involved in music because of the pressure of being compared to my siblings, who are all great singers and musicians. I eventually found my own love of music through guitar at 16 and then later switched to piano, which is my main instrument now. I attended St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists during my sophomore year and studied Jazz piano all the way through to my graduation. I then went to Berklee College of Music in Boston after taking a couple years off of school to just work and save money. I spent much of my time there making connections and life long friends who are also cultivating their own careers in LA today. I play keyboards, program, produce, and songwriter with many artists in LA now. I got my first tour playing keys for the opening act PJ for the “PinkSweats Pink beginnings tour pt.2” this past September, and later did some work playing keys for the artist Ali Gatie for his North American tour. I continue to mainly play keys for artist locally and nationally, but also produce and write songs with artists in LA. I am continuing to grow and work with as many artists as possible.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have been lucky to have a loving and supportive family along the way, along with great friends. I can’t complain about too much. I think the hardest obstacles have been the ones I have put before myself. For instance, not knowing whether I wanted to fully go for music before entering college. I stayed home to work and save money, but I also stayed home because I wasn’t sure of myself. Fortunately having successful peers around, me motivates me to work hard and push myself for the better.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a Keyboardist. I specialize in Pop and RnB music. I also play for churches in LA, mostly Pentecostal churches. I can program, arrange, and play live keyboards for any kind of show. I am most proud of my ability to roll with the flow and be able to adapt to the jobs that are put before me. Especially because many artists can operate very differently and expect different things from their band. I take pride in being able to take care of them in any situation. The thing that sets me apart is my attitude. I get along with a lot of people, and that is really most of the job.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents really helped me with everything I am today. My Dad was the first one who introduced me to music, and my Mom has always been supportive of what I wanted to do and become. My friends around me are the whole reason I have work wherever I go, and my friends have also been my mentors though out school and living in LA.
Pricing:
- Arrangements – $50 Per song
- Performing (Keyboards) – $200 Per show Rehearsals – $50 (2hr)
- Lessons (Keys) – $75/hr
- Tracking/Recording (Keys) – $75 Per song
Contact Info:
- Phone: (651) 230 – 9096
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v_knights/
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