An innovative platform that has seen a significant spike in traffic since the lockdown began is BandwithPro. It is an easy-to-use platform that connects some of South Africa’s most experienced professional musicians with music enthusiasts for live one-on-one online sessions where they share their skills and knowledge.
Combined, these pros have played more than 35 000 live shows, on hundreds of albums (over 40 of which went gold or platinum), on numerous number one hits and have won every music award there is to win in South Africa.
Ever wondered how top players listen to music? Or which guitar to buy? Hanging out with great musicians is extremely inspiring, and in these times also a welcome break from the stuck-in-quarantine routine.
Other than pre-recorded instructional videos that abound on the internet, BandwithPro offers and exclusive opportunity to jam, ask questions and learn new things directly from someone who has years of experience.
If you are songwriter you can book a session with someone like Hunter Kennedy (from Die Heuwels Fantasties and Fokofpolisiekar) or the Emmy-nominated James Stewart to workshop with you.
If you are an Afrikaans music fan, go hang out with the legendary Valiant Swart, or get some blues tips from Gerald Clark, who happens to currently live in the Chech Republic. If you’ve been struggling with a guitar riff people like Henry Steel, who is Karen Zoid’s guitarist, can help.
Dr Schalk van der Merwe, co-founder of BandwithPro and professional bassist (Karen Zoid band) comments
“The online migration of music content, whether streaming or tuition, is definitely here to stay. Our list of professionals on BandwithPro is growing daily, and with it our collective value as the first place where you’re going to browse for live online music interaction. It is also the first of its kind in Africa.”
More info about BandwithPro
BandwithPro is not primarily about online music lessons, with a strict curricullum. Rather, pro’s share tips, philosophies, riffs, do’s and dont`s – anything musical – with people from anywhere in the world. Sure, if you want straight lessons, they can certainly help you.
But BandwithPro is so much more. The platform is super easy to use. Simply log in, browse by instrument and / or genre, and it will connect you with the relevant pro. Click on a timeslot and your lesson is checked out just like any other online purchase.
The site will email an invitation for a video conference call to both parties and that’s it. And the best part? At R250 per 40- minute session, it is super affordable.
Simon Orange, legendary keyboardist for The Blues Broers and Valiant Swart explains
“There are some great players on the site. The format is open, it’s not strictly a ‘lesson’ site. I’ve met some interesting people and it sure beats baking yet another loaf.”
Interested in making use of this useful service for musicians? Visit their website or email [email protected] for more info.
Watch this space for regular updates in the Music category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
