SUNET MATTHEUS
More Than 35 Years of Crafting Sound
A single, defining moment can quietly shape the trajectory of a lifetime. For me, that moment was when my mother walked into the lobby and found a tiny, wide-eyed girl sitting in front of a piano, intently pressing the random keys. That sweet, unstructured exploration quickly became a structured pursuit as she officially enrolled me for piano- and music theory lessons as an extracurricular activity. Before I knew it, my musical journey hit its first major milestone - I wrote my first Western Art Classical Music Theory exam through the University of South Africa (UNISA) at the tender age of 9. Building on that foundation, I confidently played my first Western Art Classical Practical (Piano) Music exam at the age of 10.
It was in those early, foundational years that music transformed from a simple after-school activity into my deepest passion. Walking into the Unisa examination venues at such a young age taught me discipline, the magic of performance, and the sheer joy of transforming blank sheet music into a living, breathing melody. Every scale practiced and every piece perfected instilled a profound dedication in me, setting the stage for a lifelong relationship with the arts.
Throughout high school, my life was defined by the rigorous pursuit of music. I dedicated my extracurricular time to mastering the piano and studying advanced music theory through UNISA. Balancing my academic load with intensive piano practice was an exercise in discipline, but my dedication culminated at age 16 when I successfully passed the UNISA Grade 5 Music Theory exam. This milestone was highly rewarding, as the specific level of theoretical mastery is considered the academic equivalent of a high school Grade 12 subject.
However, the immense pressure of performing began to take a toll on my mental wellbeing. By the time I reached the UNISA Grade 6 Piano exam at age 16, the combination of high expectations and extreme stage fright created an overwhelming hurdle. Although I pushed through and sat for the exam, the anxiety I experienced was deeply paralyzing. This moment marked a major turning point in my musical journey, teaching me that vital lesson that success requires protecting your mental health. While I stepped away from formal practical grading after that, the theoretical- and practical foundation I built remains a profound part of my character.
My journey has always been defined by a harmonious blend of numbers and notes. While studying for a B.Com (Acc) Degree at the University of Pretoria from 2001 to 2004, I was also driven by my deep-seated passion for music.
Looking back, the foundations of my musical identity were set at age 18. I successfully tackled the UNISA Grade 6 Theory exam. As a significant milestone, this qualification was widely recogized as the academic equivalent of a first year university B.Mus Degree.
A year later, at age 19, a gift from my parents changed my artistic trajectory forever: a Yamaha electronic keyboard. Suddenly, a whole new world opened up that traditional acoustic pianos simply couldn't match. As someone who instinctively preferred to play by ear rather than reading from rigid sheet music, the electronic keyboard became my ultimate creative outlet. I fell in love with its sound versatility, digital effects, intuitive volume control, MIDI compatibility, and built-in recording features. These tools allowed me to capture my spontaneous, ear-driven melodies effortlessly.
I nurtured this passion in parallel with my academic- and professional ambitions. In 2004, I achieved two major milestones. I successfully sat for my UNISA Grade 7 Theory exam while simultaneously being awarded my B.Com (Acc) Degree from the University of Pretoria.
In 2008, I earned my Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PG.Dip Acc) from UNISA. Seeking creative balance, I achieved my Grade 8 in Music Theory from UNISA in 2010.
The transition from corporate accounting to the structural complexities of advanced music theory felt like a natural progression of a mind that craved both logic and creativity. After mastering the intricacies of financial auditing and management reporting, I turned my attention to the harmonic structures and counterpoint that had always fascinated me. Studying for the UNISA Grade 8 Music Theory was a rigorous challenge, but one I embraced fully. Achieving this milestone, which is academically recognized as the equivalent of a third year university B.Mus Degree, remains one of my proudest moments.
Building on this momentum, I set my sights on the Licenciate in Music Theory through UNISA, a qualification that would have mirrored the comprehensive rigor of a full Bachelor of Music Degree. However, my academic timeline was derailed when the institution discontinued the qualification before I could complete my studies.
This unexpected disruption brought a swift end to my musical journey. The disappointment of being unable to finish what I had started was profound. Because the specific rigorous coursework I was deeply invested in was no longer an option, the wind was taken out of my sails, and I consequently lost interest in pursuing music theory further. Looking back taught me how quickly our closest passions can shift, even as my academic foundation in accounting continued to shape my professional trajectory.
My journey has been anything but a straight line, defined instead by unexpected detours, rediscovery, and the courage to change course. In 2018, I reached a significant milestone when I was awarded my Bachelor of Laws (LLB) by the University of South Africa. It was a period of intense focus, but as I stepped into that phase of my life, a familiar, deep-seated passion began tugging at me: music.
By 2024, my interest in music theory had completely reignited, pulling me back to my creative roots. I took a leap of faith and incorporated my own company, Muziecka (Pty) Ltd. Initially, I attempted to teach private piano and music theory lessons. However, as an introvert, I quickly realized that the highly interactive, one-on-one nature of tutoring was mentally and emotionally exhausting. I needed a way to share my knowledge without the draining demands of daily personal instruction.
This realization prompted another pivot. In 2025, I registered for a B.Mus Degree at UNISA, allowing me to deepen my own academic understanding of the art form. During this time, I discovered a profound new interest in songwriting, specifically within popular music.
Now, well into my 40s, I have found my true calling and passion: helping others learn music theory and songwriting in a way that respects my own introverted energy levels. To achieve this, I utilize my digital platform to scale my reach. I now provide free music theory notes on my website for complete beginners. Additionally, I have developed comprehensive eBooks for those who are serious about mastering music theory, entering for formal exams, building a career in the music industry, and for those who are serious about writing-, structuring- and producing their own songs.
Looking back, my life has been a rewarding evolution. I am finally able to empower countless others to unlock their musical potential, all on my own terms.