• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, March 17, 2009

Nashville-based startup Moontoast on Monday launched what might be described as a cross between a ratings-based eBay-like marketplace and an online video how-to community. The company announced the venture at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Co-founded by renowned guitarist William "Bucky" Baxter and guitar-maker Joe Glaser, Moontoast is a privately funded company with an initial staff of some 25 employees--mostly made up of Web engineers, content developers, and "explorers"--whose job it is to match up expert teachers with paying students.

"We facilitate live video lessons, so if someone wants to learn how to play the piano they can schedule an appointment with a teacher based on their fee and rating," said Moontoast spokeswoman Karen Ram.

Moontoast generates revenue based on a percentage from each transaction. Advertising on the site is also being considered for the future, according to Ram.

There is no shortage of how-to videos and how-to video destinations competing for viewers' attention today. Along with more established sites like YouTube, Metacafe, and DIYNetwork.com, startups are popping up left and right with names like Howcast, 5min, Expert Village, Instructables, Videojug, and WonderHowTo.com.

The Moontoast session player, meanwhile, is a live video interface for teachers and students to connect with the help of a Web browser and a Webcam. The Session Player supports multiple cameras and microphones, as well as real-time file transfer between people while they are talking live.

The Moontoast Calendar allows Moontoast experts to present their availability to potential students who view a provider's calendar, and choose times to request a Moontoast "session."

Angel investors include Country music stars Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, and Amy Grant. Baxter, one of the co-founders, was a pedal-steel guitarist for Bob Dylan, The Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and Ryan Adams.