Shropshire rock music school set to continue well-received online lessons even though Coronavirus lockdown partially lifted
A Shropshire rock music school which has been providing online lessons for the past month will continue to do so, despite a partial lifting of restrictions to the Coronavirus pandemic in the recent government announcement.
Using videos on Facebook Backbeat Music School’s tutors break down a song by offering detailed instructions on its constituent parts; vocals, drums, guitar or bass; every day from the beginning of the week, with the opportunity for everyone to join in and play it in full on a Friday.
Co-founder Adam Knight explains: “We had to abandon the group sessions in Market Drayton, Shrewsbury and Wem as soon as lockdown was announced. However, many of our students still wanted a connection to Backbeat, so we revamped the format and now everyone is learning songs through social media. It’s not ideal but as the videos are pre-recorded people can rewind and repeat particular stages of the video, almost like a one-to-one lesson, thus being well prepared for the big play at the end of the week. So far, we’ve had a lot of fun covering songs by The Beatles, Bryan Adams, Queen and Stevie Wonder. Like all businesses we would welcome a time when we can return to the original way of teaching and personal interaction with everyone attending our sessions, but until then we will continue to provide the online lesson option, especially for people who, for one reason or another, are still at home.”
Despite the setbacks caused by Coronavirus, response from students about the new format has been very positive. Dawn Edwards, who is one of them, said: “I’ve been a vocalist with Backbeat Music School since it began and have really enjoyed the lessons and our first live gig. When COVID 19 brought everything to a halt, the guys looked to their online presence to support families during lockdown. They are rock music’s equivalent of Joe Wicks. It’s been a great opportunity for ageing, rocking parents to share a love of music with their kids, whilst covering some of the music curriculum and having fun and a bit of family bonding at the same time. It all comes together on a Friday when Adam leads the band session bringing together the week’s practice. We may not be able to hear each other, but it’s still a great way to end the week and connect with friends and stave off some of the loneliness that working from home and life under lockdown can bring. We are so lucky to have this brilliant opportunity, which is available for everyone, free of charge. Music is a universal healer and the team at Backbeat Music School are the best practitioners! I love it!”
Backbeat Music School’s online lessons will begin again on Monday 18 May through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/backbeatmusicschool/.
Picture: Adam Knight, Backbeat Music School.
