This is the first part of the interview I have had the pleasure of conducting with Thomas Veitch, the operator of The Melody
Master. This is where we talk about the site and the reception it has had.
And this is Part 2 (“Music & You”).

Full Name: Thomas Veitch
Age: 35
Site: The Melody Master
Position: Operator

PART I

THE SITE

Tell us a little about your site. Why did you create it? What was the original launch date?

I along with many musicians wish to be able to play an instrument by ear. You listen to a melody or riff and then wish to play it on the piano or guitar.

By providing some exercises, you can train your ear to do this. I’ve certainly improved my ability and I’ve noticed I’m starting to improvise now when playing the piano. I’d love to get to a level where I’m playing the same notes that I have in my head.

Are you happy with the way it has evolved so far, or do you think that there is still a lot to be added?

Yes, there’s always more exercises and games. The more exposure the site gets, the more feedback and requests we get from users which we aim to include.

What has been the feedback you have received? In which countries has The Melody Master been more successful?

Feedback has been positive. Users want us to put certain melodies in for them to learn. One user requested to be able to use the games entirely from the keyboard as it was easier for him. Another user requested to add a function to gradually make games harded by being able to control the intervals between the notes as in the Higher or Lower game. One user from Germany wanted a pitch memory game which we built.
The Melody Master has been popular in Europe and North America. Unexpectedly we’ve been quite popular in the Philippines. I think that’s because they have a lot of cover bands.

There is a certain tendency to demonize the Internet in the music industry. I think it is all a matter of perspective – it all depends on the uses it is put to. What is your opinion? In which areas has the Internet left an unquestionably positive mark?

The World changes. Some things get better and some things get worse. You can’t resist it, it’s modernisation. Bands like The Artic Monkeys became really popular due to the Internet. For bands nowadays, there’s no money in selling music, as everyone streams. However the real money is in playing live. More people are able to hear more songs for free, and then there’s a massive demand to see those bands playing live.

What advice could you give to anybody who is launching a music-related startup in the future? What are the obvious mistakes that should be avoided?

Make it unique and enjoy it.

Continue to Part 2.