After six weeks in lockdown Wollongong and Shellharbour residents have started searching for new ways to constructively use their additional time at home.
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Many are turning to guitars, resulting in demand for restrings at music stores.
Glenn Haworth, of Haworth Guitars, said businesses across the state with physical stores have been finding different ways to reinvent the wheel.
But one thing he is experiencing is that customers who haven't picked up a guitar in years are contacting him asking for a re-string.
Mr Haworth said it was the first time in two decades the family owned music store with two physical locations had to close the doors to its shops and music school.
But with so many requests from people wanting to get back into music he is finding there is still work for his team via a Click & Collect service for guitar re-strings and sales of new guitars.
Music can greatly help with our health and wellbeing, and I think this is certainly one reason why we're seeing such a spike in people wanting to pick up their guitars again during this lockdown
- Glenn Haworth
Mr Haworth said some of his staff's roles and hours have changed during the present lockdown but the silver lining to the latest pandemic is people finding the time to pick up an instrument for the first time in years.
"I've had messages almost every day from people in the local community and from across Australia asking if we re-string guitars, fix up old guitars and even people wanting to pick up a new guitar to get back into playing," he said.
"Music can play a huge part in helping people in isolation. In particular it can be used as a therapy tool to help those who may be struggling with their mental health during the lockdown.
"Music can greatly help with our health and wellbeing, and I think this is certainly one reason why we're seeing such a spike in people dusting off their old guitars and picking them up again during this lockdown.
"People can't do much, they can't go out as much and they want to do something constructive with that time."
Mr Haworth said there has also been a demand for drums. But most people are buying electric kits to keep the noise down while everyone is at home.
"With the electric drum kits they can use them with headphones, which means they can just play quietly," he said.
But guitars are the most popular musical items during the present lockdown.
"I think that is because they are easy to ship," he said.
Locally when customers want a re-string they arrange times to drop off and pick up their guitars at the front door of one of the shops.
That is also how many are choosing to collect their new purchases.
"We are doing Click & Collect online," Mr Haworth said.
"Customers can then come and ring the number on the door and then pick up or leave their guitar there.
"We also do free delivery for guitars and accessories over $199."
Mr Haworth said online sales also grew during the 2020 lockdown but this year was different because the store is still able to get new supplies and hasn't run out of any stock.
He said the music school has also had to adapt and has shifted all of its classes online to ensure students are still able to learn.
"It's been amazing to see so many of our students so eager to jump on our online classes," he sad.
"I think it provides them with a sense of normality and routine, something that lockdowns can really disrupt.
"There's something therapeutic about music, and learning music can really aid our need to grow, learn and evolve, and for our students, attending these music classes is part of this."
Haworth's music school is noticing a lot more people are tech savvy this year and able to easily embrace online learning.
And parents like it because it gives them a break from home schooling.
Most of the lessons are done one-on-one with a music school teacher online.
Mr Haworth realises how lucky he is to be able to already have an online store set up, and a team of music teachers who have been able to shift online.
Be he knows that has not been the case for all businesses in the area.
With his other enterprise, Resolve Business Coaching, he has seen so many of his clients have been negatively impacted by the present lockdown.
Mr Howarth is also doing everything he can to help his small business clients adjust.
Many are hairdressers and cafe owners. Others are retailers and tradies.
"I really believe when we rally together as a community and really support one another, we can get through anything," he said.
And for those wanting to pick up their old guitars and try their hand at playing again?
"I couldn't recommend it more. Spending even a few minutes a day strumming on a guitar can help us relax and take the focus off what is happening around us."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
