A MUSIC teacher at The Petersfield School is now playing for a different audience – each day Chris Ricketts performs acoustic cover versions of songs in response to requests on Facebook.

But the musician, singer and songwriter says his renditions aren’t just for those who request them – they are helping keep him cheerful as well.

He said: “I live in a flat and this is my third week of coronavirus self-isolation, and to be honest it’s not great – it’s a very frightening and weird time.

“Playing people’s requests cheers them up and helps me focus on something positive, and cheers me up as well.”

When the school off The Causeway closed on Friday, March 20, Chris had the presence of mind to take his music equipment home with him.

He said: “I really enjoy learning and then playing the requests, it’s a bit of fun.”

To have Chris play a request, visit his Facebook page.