A North East musician has launched an online tutoring academy in a bid to counter the impacts of Covid-19 on the music sector.
Drummer David Green, of Gateshead, has launched RockAcad after bringing together recording and session musicians from around the country to offer their expertise.
Mr Green, who was voted Rhythm Magazine and Music Radar’s Best New Drummer In The World in 2016, expanded his online drum teaching business at the start of the pandemic to bring lessons to locked-down students across the country.
The service proved to be such a success that he expanded the service, enlisting other seasoned musicians to create RockAcad.
The academy has an initial team of nine tutors, who work with the likes of The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Sam Fender, Boy George, James Arthur and Selena Gomez. They cover a range of instruments and musical disciplines.
Mr Green plans to increase the team to 20 within the next 18 months, and expects to add more tutors soon amid plans to team up with Trinity College London.
RockAcad offers one-to-one live music lessons and plans to introduce new services including song-writing courses, group classes, live performances, masterclasses and Q&As from music industry players.
The company is also building music therapy courses which Mr Green hopes will address the growing issue of mental health, which has intensified during the pandemic as many tackle loneliness and isolation.
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Mr Green, who expects to turn over £250,000 in the next three years, said: “We would like to be in a position to eventually franchise the business model as well as possibly expand into other creative artistic markets to solidify RockAcad as a leading global online education service.
“We want to keep expanding the business, collaborate with artists and educational services, host workshops, clinics and Q&As from special guest teachers.
“It has been widely proven that learning an instrument has many physical and mental benefits and can be used as a very important therapeutic tool in helping to destress, focus and provide a productive and healthy escape.
“This has been a lifeline for many people this year with lockdowns and restrictions. It is a form of escapism that you can have in your own home.”
Despite being less than a year old, RockAcad has grown rapidly and now provides one-to-one tuition for students across the world.
Mr Green added: “Lockdown has shifted public opinion about online education and demand for home learning has skyrocketed as a result.”