The music industry has been devastated by the Coronavirus pandemic. But it's not just venues and bands that are struggling – Milton Keynes-based Rhythm Room music school is a perfect example of another business facing mounting financial pressures.
Now, those at the helm have been forced to do the same as many other businesses – by putting out a call for monetary assistance with a gofundme campaign, writes Sammy Jones.
Chris Mansbridge and Kev Hickman opened Rhythm Room in 2017 with the promise of delivering 'quality music tuition accessible to ages and abilities.'
They've ploughed their all into the school, and when the pandemic struck, were seeing the fruits of their hard work, by operating drum, guitar, bass, vocal and piano lessons in a number of public and private schools across the three counties.
At the same time, they were tutoring more than 300 students weekly from their business base in Bletchley.
While Rhythm Room is a business, for those at the helm, it's more than that; music isn't just the day job for those running the venture - they are all musicians too.
“We're worried about the future of music in general at the moment,” Chris told Total MK.
“Myself, Kev and out whole team are working musicians, and we have had our incomes decimated with little to absolutely no help from the government offered.”
As you might expect from a bunch of musicians though, they are nothing if not creative – and in order to keep the music flowing, they have switched their lessons online.
“Uptake is a big decrease from normal lesson numbers,” Chris admits, “But at the same time, virtual tuition has been going really well. We had to figure out very quickly how to make it all work. All the students have really appreciated that they can continue learning with us at home - especially in a time when days can be much the same and they need positive focus.
“Unfortunately, it does mean that new and existing students who would need to borrow instruments are missing out, which is absolutely heart breaking for us.”
Having established itself as a key part of the local community, but now faced with mounting bills and dwindling cash flow, Rhythm Room launched the fundraiser; money raised will be used to help cover costs while the business is operating with just 20% of its usual client base.
Within a week of the campaign going live, supporters had swelled the coffers significantly – donating half of the £5k goal.
It's fair to say that the response has boosted morale massively: “It truly means the world to us. We want to say 'thank you so, so much' to everyone who has helped,” Chris said, “We are seeing the positive impact of communities coming together to save a small business and keep important resources afloat. It's pure people power and it's so moving.
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“All of us here pride ourselves on nurturing the next generation of local musicians and artists. “Music is so important and can do wonders for people's wellbeing. Please help secure the future of music, arts and culture in Milton Keynes, and donate whatever you can to our cause. Every little bit will help – thank you.”
The campaign has gained some prominent support too, with punk-folk artist Frank Turner and Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds among those banging the drum on social media to back their cause.
With your support too, the hope is for Rhythm Room to be back up and running, and banging the drum in a more conventional sense as soon as it's safe to.
To find out more about the campaign, or to donate click here
