What makes School Of Rock different to other music lessons and projects?

Our sessions are held in a state-of-the-art recording and rehearsal studio with high quality instruments, amps and equipment. As well as teaching important musical skills, we recognise the positive impact that playing music with others can have on young people's social lives and believe there is great value in group-based music tuition. We teach and encourage everyone to write their own material and express themselves in their own way, as well as learning famous songs.

 

Our separate rehearsal rooms allow bands and musicians to spend quality time focusing on their songs and musical skills in a safe, professional environment. The studio was built as a specialist music space, and our youth workers have been working with young people to engage with music for 12 years, so it is a nurturing, safe and well equipped environment for young people.

 

Another key thing that sets us apart is our connection to the wider music community for young people in Chippenham (Check out our Jukebox Cafe, Take The Stage and regular gigs for examples), we've been helping to create a supportive music scene in Chippenham for over a decade, which gives young musicians a sense of place and purpose to their playing.

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Do I need to play an instrument already?

Ideally yes. You don't need to have had formal lessons, but an understanding of the basics of your instrument (knowing a couple of chords, playing a basic drum beat) is recommended. Part of the course is learning that you don't need to be an master of your instrument to write a song and start playing with other people, but due to the nature of a group setting we are unable to dedicate large chunks of a session to individuals who have, for example, never held a guitar before. We would recommend one-to-one tuition for total beginners, until you have built up a few skills and are ready to start playing with a band.

 

We have a mix of beginners and more advanced students on our courses, and invite all musicians in for an informal chat before you start, to make sure we find the group that best suits you. We also have in-house equipment so if you don’t have an instrument of your own or can’t bring it with you - we’ve got you covered!

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How do I apply?

Just fill in this form and we'll be in touch!

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Where will it take place?

All sessions are held at The Ruze in Chippenham, at 7 Union Road. There is some street parking available just outside, the nearby B&M car park is also free for up to 3 hours. We have a fully equipped rehearsal room, recording studio and performance space. All our staff are music industry professionals and the course is led by Tom & Meg who are also trained youth workers. All staff members have an up-to-date DBS and safeguarding training.

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Does the School of Rock count towards any qualification?

The course doesn't provide an official qualification, however all sessions are taught in accordance to the guidelines set by the RockSchool syllabus to ensure a consistent and well-rounded music education.

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School Of Rock was initially set up with funding from Youth Music, Wiltshire Council through Chippenham Area Board, Music For All, Jack Lane Charitable Trust, Chippenham Town Council Community Grants & Wiltshire Music Connect.