Parkwood’s new music hub
PARKWOOD - When is a musical instrument shop more than just a musical instrument shop?
When Roger Metelerkamp is the driving force behind it – and that’s the case with MusicWorx in Parkwood.
Not only does this new establishment in the heart of the art strip offer branded second-hand musical equipment, it also features a coffee bar, jam sessions every Thursday night, and drum, guitar, and saxophone lessons.
“I was the local MD for the world’s second largest smartcard company based in France,” he said.
“When I retired, I couldn’t see myself spending my days fishing or playing golf, so I decided to follow my passion for music,” said Metelerkamp.
His love for music began when he took up playing the drums in 1964.
“I played for the cadet band at Germiston High School, and later progressed to drumming in the Witwatersrand Rifles Regimental Pipe Band – and I did that for the next 26 years,” he said.
“After I stopped playing, I adjudicated for the Pipe Band Association of South Africa for about five years, and then moved on to African percussion. “Among the highlights of that time was playing drums with master drummers from different parts of Africa.”
Metelerkamp was also involved in 10 Durban Tattoos, and he produced and directed the 1998 Germiston Tattoo.
“Given this history, I knew I had to follow my passion when I retired,” he said.
Metelerkamp explained that he chose to focus on second-hand musical gear because, in the current economic climate, it could be difficult for young or new musicians to get started.
“Initially, I didn’t plan on including a coffee bar… That was dictated by the premises I found,” he said.
“I realised I could try to create a community – this is a place where like-minded musicians can meet over coffee, surrounded by musical gear. That evolved a step further with the weekly jam sessions.”
Metelerkamp also introduced a monthly drum clinic and fortnightly African percussion groups under the tutorship of Vaughan Harris.
His plans for the future include the construction of a recording studio, and introducing a guitar clinic and gumboot dance classes.
“Life is exciting right now,” he said.
“I feel that I’m creating something different.”
Details: 011 880 1779; www.musicworx.co.za
