At one point or another, most of us have picked up an instrument (let’s say guitar), toying with the idea of learning how to play. Some people pick up an instrument, and they never look back. For others, it just doesn’t click. For those in the latter category, there’s Fret Zealot – a guitar education system that teaches people how to play guitar by “learning with light.”
Dubbed the “Netflix of music education,” Fret Zealot by Zealot Interactive appeals to those who are more visually adept. It’s as simple as installing a paper-thin LED strip on a standard guitar, then interacting with an app that features thousands of step-by-step video lessons.
The Fret Zealot platform currently includes over 3,000 video lessons, 100 courses, 80,000 song tabs, every chord and scale, 60 alternative tunings, and more.
Fret Zealot not only provides users with access to some of the big names in music, such as AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, it has also partnered with some regional WNY acts, including Syracuse’s rock/pop/blues group Jess Novak Band, for example. Fans of the band’s music get a chance to play along with their favorite songs, in a fun and seemingly effortless manner.
“I like to remind people, I’m not famous or anything, but I make a living playing music and teaching lessons and doing fun things like this,” says front-woman and guitarist/violinist/keyboardist Jess Novak, who pivoted from music journalism to being a professional musician ten years ago. “I want people to know whatever you want to do – play guitar around a campfire or start a business – you can do it. There are people everywhere that are proof of that.”
Buffalo has played an even greater role in bringing these players together, while amplifying the concept. It turns out that Zealot Interactive is part of Buffalo-based startup accelerator 43 North’s seventh cohort.
I have to admit that I’m one of those people that picked up a guitar at one point, with plans to learn how to play. Unfortunately it wasn’t in the cards for me, but heck, I would like to give this a try to see what it’s all about.
You can find more information here.
Fret Zealot | 2495 Main Street, Suite 418 | Buffalo, NY 14214