Anthrax, Megadeth and more offer music students free online lessons

Leading musicians in the rock world, Anthrax, Megadeth and more are set to offer music students free online lessons in the midst of COVID-19.

Many artists are offering up new initiatives and music to keep us fans entertained and engaged during this lull of social activity. Since we’re not permitted out of the house unless it’s for necessary means, the internet has become one of our sole forms of entertainment.

While some bands are kicking off live-streamed concerts and others are releasing new music, metal icons Anthrax, Megadeth, and many others are bringing something new to the table: free online lessons to music students.

Titled ‘School’s Out’, the online initiative is being put on by Megadeth’s own bassist, David Ellefson through his Youth Music Foundation, which is aimed at school age students who are pursuing music education.

Among the talented musicians leading the lessons are Megadeth members Kiko Loureiro and Dirk Verbeuren alongside bassist Frank Bell of Anthrax, guitarist Nita Strauss of Alice Cooper, bassist of Five Finger Death Punch Chris Kael, Ra Diaz of Suicidal Tendencies, the former guitarist of Guns N’ Roses Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, as well as a multitude of others.

As many students classes have been interrupted by the global pandemic, the ‘School’s Out’ initiative is set to bring one-on-one lessons with famed musicians, as well as numerous instructional videos.

“When one person suffers, we all suffer, and this is an unprecedented moment in history when all of us around the world are united for a common cause,” Ellefson has stated. “Music and the arts have always been some of our greatest healers in a way none other can.”

Students who express interest in participating in Ellefson’s ‘School’s Out’ online initiative can apply online. There is also a crowdfunding campaign about that is working on raising money for the program to be able to service the large amount of students who have applied.