We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victor Dutra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victor, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
For me, confidence started with really knowing who I am. Part of that is recognizing the gifts and abilities I’ve developed over the years, but just as important is knowing who I am not. Understanding what I don’t do, what isn’t my lane, has been freeing. It allows me to embrace my own identity without constantly comparing myself to others or trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
I’ve also learned that confidence doesn’t come overnight. It’s been built through small steps—playing my first professional gig as a teenager, saying yes to opportunities that scared me, learning from mistakes, and realizing that every experience shapes me. Over time those moments stack up, and you begin to trust your own process.
Another key part for me has been faith. Knowing that my value is not only in what I produce or achieve, but in who God says I am, gives me a deeper kind of security. That anchors me when I feel insecure or when I face criticism.
So my self-esteem today is not about being perfect or having it all figured out. It’s about accepting my limits, celebrating my strengths, and moving forward with the assurance that I’m walking in the purpose I was created for. That perspective has made all the difference.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a pianist, arranger, and music producer originally from Brazil and now based in Southern California. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and over the years it’s taken me from small local gigs to recording studios, theaters, churches, and collaborations with incredible artists. Each season has stretched me and added something new to my craft.
Right now, what excites me most is creating music that connects deeply with people. Recently I released my solo piano album Hymns in Solitude, a project that reimagines classic hymns in a fresh, contemplative way. It’s been amazing to see how something so personal can resonate with listeners and bring comfort or inspiration in their own journeys.
Alongside recording, I also serve as a worship director, which allows me to bring people together through music in a community setting. It’s not just about songs, it’s about creating moments where people feel seen, encouraged, and lifted up.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to expand my creative projects, from producing new music to developing visual content that tells the story behind the songs. I want my work to reflect excellence, authenticity, and faith. If there’s one thing I’d like readers to know about my brand and my art, it’s that everything I do is driven by a desire to create beauty and connection, and to remind people that music still has the power to move hearts in a very real way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been the power of observation, the desire to always keep learning, and persistence. Observation allowed me to absorb lessons from others simply by paying attention to how they played, created, or carried themselves. A genuine hunger to learn kept me curious and open, always seeking ways to grow and improve. And persistence has been the key to everything, because talent alone doesn’t carry you far without the discipline to keep practicing and showing up. My advice for anyone starting out is to sharpen your eyes, keep your heart and mind curious, and never underestimate the value of not giving up.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough by Harold Kushner. It’s a book that wrestles with the meaning of life through the lens of Ecclesiastes, and it really challenged me to think about success and fulfillment in a deeper way. What struck me most is the reminder that even if you achieve everything you dream of, it can still feel empty if your life isn’t anchored in something greater. Kushner talks about the importance of living with purpose, serving others, and finding joy in the small, everyday moments. For me, it was a wake-up call not to define myself only by achievements or recognition, but to remember that the real measure of a life is connection, meaning, and faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victordutras.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victor_dutras/
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