Derbyshire online music school sees demand soar in lockdown with star names as guest teachers

Jon Eno, who founded not-for-profit social enterprise Hot House Music in Derby in 2002, has seen demand for lessons soar during the past 12 months, as more and more people take up singing or playing an instrument.

He said: “Thanks to the advancements in technology, we have been able to democratise access to music so that more and more people – particularly children - can get involved with music.

“We talk with our students across the UK and we find that, with them being at home more, learning music has given them that much-needed release at a difficult time.”

He added: “It makes them smile, makes them resilient and brave with what is going on, so we’re super proud with how they have coped during the pandemic.”

At the start of the first national lockdown, Hot House moved all its usual face-to -face lessons online within 72 hours, but it has seen the business grow by 17.5 per cent as a result.

Jon said: “The fact that we have been able to move our lessons online means that more people have been able to access more great art.

“There are amazing teachers, amazing artists right here in Derby but we can really take it to the next level of enrichment just by embracing the technology we have available.”

Among the latest guest teachers was John Waugh, the saxophone player with acclaimed pop-rock band The 1975.

Jon said: “He’s one of the greatest saxophonists in the world and a former Hot House Music student . The fact that John can be wherever in the world but dial in, using Zoom, and our pupils can play, record, perform and learn from someone like him is incredible.”

A former student at what is now the Ripley Academy, and cousin of superstar producer Brian Eno, Jon has taken Hot House Music from strength to strength since its early days in Derby. Soon, branches will be opening in Singapore, Lyon and Texas.

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