Abbotsford guitar teacher Troy Kneebone said he has experienced an increase in people taking guitar lessons on his website during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted photo)

Abbotsford guitar teacher Troy Kneebone said he has experienced an increase in people taking guitar lessons on his website during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted photo)

More interest in online lessons during pandemic, says Abbotsford guitar teacher

Troy Kneebone says people have more time on their hands and 'find comfort' in music

An Abbotsford-based guitar teacher is finding that some people are wanting to put their self-isolation time to good use by learning a new skill.

Troy Kneebone teaches guitar lessons online. His website studio33guitar.com features free (and paid) lessons for beginners to intermediate.

Kneebone said he has seen a “significant increase” in the website’s users in the last two months.

Some of the students are brand-new beginners, while others are picking up the guitar again now that they have some extra downtime.

RELATED: Local guitar teacher creates a social media community

“Learning a new skill online is perfect for this situation; you can do all the work from your laptop on your couch. With guitar, you can even practise while you watch TV,” Kneebone said.

He said he has been hearing from people all over the world who are not only finding themselves with time to learn, but “are also finding some comfort in music.”

Kneebone created his website in 2014 and has since built a strong social media following. His videos have amassed more than 2.2 million views on YouTube.

But he said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought more interest than ever to his website.

“We are all stuck in this current situation but some people have decided they want to have something to show for it when they come through the other side,” Kneebone said.

Abbotsford News