By Kennedy Nyavaya
Rising bassist and music educator Ronald Mhundwa has advised fellow musicians to take advantage of the digital space and innovate to open up income streams during the lockdown where conventional work like live performances has been banned.
Mhundwa, who is part of Afro-jazz musician Mbeus Mhodzi Tribe band, is currently providing guitar lessons to dozens of music students through online video call platforms like Zoom.
“This is the time for trying and we must not give up on our skills, but rather spend more time improving them, thus more practice at home to research, reflect and plan, Mhundwa told Standard Style.
“We are in a digital world where live interactions are not limited to physical contact, so fellow musicians can make an impact using online platforms to impart skill and knowledge in their sphere of influence.”
The nationwide lockdown which was put into effect at the beginning of the month limiting movement and large gatherings, meant that music bands were out of gigs and subsequently had their income cut abruptly.
Mhundwa, who doubles as a lecturer at the Zimbabwe College of Music, has also had to stop going to the campus as well as giving home lessons and that is how the idea to go online came about.
I had to quickly think and tap into full utilisation of technology, that is how I started online lessons and even after all this I will continue with these lessons because they seem very convenient to most people,” he said.
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He said he has been impressed with the uptake of the lessons to date as it has also introduced him to clients beyond the country’s borders.
“There has been a positive response from people. Since the lockdown started parents have been calling and enrolling their children and the turn-up is quiet impressive (and) I have managed to connect not only with local students, but new ones from the UK, South Africa and Philippines and has given me hope that this is the in-thing, added Mhundwa.
