Opangalanger Longkumer
Fascinated by music at just seven, Opangalanger Longkumer of Ungma Village is a violinist residing at Kumlong ward, Mokokchung. His love for music began when he saw a boy of aged five playing guitar admirably at his school’s morning assembly.
Going home, he asked his brother to teach him to play guitar. And now, it has been eleven years for him since he first picked a guitar in his hand.
However, Opang was more inclined towards learning violin but finding an opportunity to pursue violin classes did not come easily to him as during his initial days, the State did not have many musical institutions.
“I always wanted to learn the violin but going back 5-6 years, there weren’t many musical institutions back then. So, I could not do anything about it but I felt really fortunate when Grace Music Academy opened just a few blocks away from where I live,” he said.
“So, the first thing I did was quickly checked their prospectus and found that they offered violin courses and so I started taking it in mid 2016 through Trinity Music College London,” he further added.
For Opang, Violin has been one of the most difficult musical instruments to learn which made him struggle for months but his passionate desire to play the instrument made him overcome the boredom and the hustles.
“It took me roughly about 3-4 years to perfectly learn the violin. But I wouldn’t say I have achieved mastery in violin yet. I’m sure it takes much longer to become a ‘master’ but it can also depend on your dedication and practice,” he shared.
Leaving his advice for beginners, he said, “Your first 6 months of learning the violin will be so boring that you’d want to quit but be patient, you will get better through hard work and determination. And eventually, you will connect with the true flow of harmony that music creates, and flow along the tune”.
Sharing his excitement, he talked about how his favorite violin piece has always been “traumerei schumann” even before he could play. And now that he does, he takes that as one of his achievements that keeps him content.
Speaking about his six years journey as a violinist, he said, playing alongside many talented musicians in different stages – big and small have been an incredible journey and that he feels “lucky”.
“Personally, I don’t think playing alongside great musicians is a challenge. I take it as an opportunity as well as a blessing,” he added.
However, he regretted that he could not be consistent with his YouTube channel where he posts musical covers due to his need to focus on his studies. Apart from violin, Opang also plays keyboard and enjoys singing which he owes his credit to his supportive parents who supported him in everything he aspired to.
“My parents are extremely supportive and they provide me with everything starting from all the musical instruments I need. They continue to encourage me and inspire me all the way,” he said.
Opang believes that Violin is the instrument with which he can connect his thoughts the most.
“I always believe that music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart. Music really has always provided me the peace I need in times of stress, pressure and loneliness. Playing and listening to music have really helped me overcome some of my darkest days which we go through mentally. Music made me think better, more punctual, and helped me look at the world in a wiser way,” he said.
“I still have a lot of things to learn and still have a long way to go, but no matter which field I go to, music will always have a special place in my heart.”
Talking about what he hopes to achieve in the next ten or twenty years, he said, “I would like to keep moving forward in my own direction and not where the wind takes me to. In 20 years, I hope to become the man I want, more so in my educational practical field,” he concluded.