Seven questions, seven answers. Munich Startup in conversation with Riki, Miriam, Alex, and Eugen from My Dear Instruments.
1. Who are you? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
We are Riki (38), a survivor and online entrepreneur by heart, Miriam (30), who describes herself as a digital native, Alex (30), a daydreamer by profession, and Eugen (32), who keeps an eye on our code alongside his full-time musical career. We all have a huge passion for music and have found each other through it. Each of us has played in one band or another, learned various instruments, and realized how effective it is to teach ourselves musical instruments.
2. What service do you want to use to change the world?
My Dear Instruments is an online platform where music enthusiasts can learn to play instruments through a solid and clear learning system of German-language video tutorials. With us, you can learn an instrument without a lot of "before we get started...".
Above all, we want the user to enjoy learning by achieving rapid success and reaching their goals as quickly as possible. To achieve this, we have developed a concept that enables the user to master an instrument in a short time, according to their preferred learning style, musical style, tempo, and goal – theory and music reading are secondary.
To help our users achieve success quickly and focus on what they enjoy, namely music, our entire business concept is based on four principles: simple, trustworthy, efficient, and flexible.
3. But that's been around for a long time!
My Dear Instruments is like music. The people shape the experience, and thus the lessons. Our teachers are unique, and we're proud to have them on board. From Alex's quick-and-dirty tutorials to Sebi's metal attitude to Manuel's model student courses—there's something for every learning style.
Aside from that, there's no other German-speaking music school that can offer such a broad range of knowledge in such a short time at such reasonable prices. Our affordable prices are only possible through the combination of our business and technical expertise with our musical experience and passion for music. From the very beginning, we've been our own customers and test subjects, can handle various tasks within the team ourselves, and are happy to stay overnight in the office to turn a spontaneous jam session into a lesson.
4. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
To launch an MVP that meets our requirements and brings the user to their goal according to our principles.
5. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We can't yet make a living from My Dear Instruments, and everyone on the team earns their living in different ways. However, the experience we've gained is flowing into the company, and thus, the dreamy vision of My Dear Instruments is becoming a determined and efficient company. The fixed costs are already paying for themselves, and we're only a few more students away before we can gradually devote ourselves entirely to our passion.
6. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich isn't known for its diverse music scene. Nevertheless, there's a core of artists and musicians who refuse to be intimidated and who brighten up the city by realizing their creativity and dreams. My Dear Instruments demonstrates that the right people at the right time don't always have to converge in Berlin or Silicon Valley. Such a constellation can't be "searched" or outsourced. That's why our number one location factor is our patriotism. Even though Munich's startup scene is now impressive.
7. Hiking or beer garden?
Beer garden – but the guitar is a must! Incidentally, it's also the title of a legendary song by our guitar teacher Alex, which he'll soon be performing not only on My Dear Instruments – stay tuned.
