Today we’d like to introduce you to Finn Roche.
Finn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How did your journey with music begin?
My journey with music started in a tiny attic in a village of 300 people in Southern England when I was six years old. I found an old acoustic guitar tucked under boxes and was immediately drawn to it. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was determined to make a sound come out of it.
At my convent school, a nun named Sister Aideen showed me how to tune the guitar and taught me my first Beatles songs. That single act of kindness opened an entire world. From that moment on, I practiced every day and learned from anyone who would teach me.
By sixteen, that early passion had led me to stand on a stage at an outdoor biker festival, facing hundreds of rowdy fans. It was terrifying and exhilarating at once. That rush, the connection with an audience, and the electric energy of live music is when I knew I was completely hooked.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant challenges in my journey came in 2021 when a serious accident left me with spinal injuries that required multiple surgeries and a long period of recovery. For the first time in years, I was unable to participate in the day-to-day operations of Fine Tune Academy. That tested not just me personally, but the foundations of the organization. Because we had invested in systems and trusted leadership, particularly with our office manager Aline and our team, the school continued to support students and families without interruption. That experience underscored the importance of building a business that does not depend on a single person, deepened my appreciation for the people I work with, and helped shape how we approach growth and sustainability going forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Fine Tune Academy . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My work with Fine Tune Academy is driven by a deep belief in the power of music to build confidence, creativity, and real world skills. What began as informal jam sessions in my living room in North County San Diego grew into an in-home music education program rooted in collaboration, performance, and musicianship. At Fine Tune Academy we do more than teach technique: we help students learn to play with others, write original music, perform on stage, and understand how music works. Over more than two decades, the Academy has helped students of all ages find their voice, build confidence, and develop skills that extend far beyond music, including discipline, communication, and creative problem-solving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has appeared at moments along the way, but it has never been the driving force in my career. What some might label good fortune — meeting people who shared knowledge with no expectation of return, opportunities that arrived at just the right time, experiences in unexpected places — came because I stayed focused, curious, and committed to music and creative learning. Likewise, events that could have derailed me were met with intention and adaptability rather than chance. In my experience, luck is not something that happens to you; it is what you make of the opportunities and challenges that cross your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefinetuneacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinetuneacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finetuneacademy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@finetuneencinitas
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