July 12, 2012 10.29 am This story is over 140 months old

New music class gets Lincoln rocking

Music classes: A duo of local artists have set up a music academy for youths to perfect their playing or learn an instrument.

Lincoln’s very own School of Rock opens its doors this month to any eager Ed Sheerans and budding Billie Joe Armstrongs in the city.

The Absolute Rock Academy is holding a one-week workshop during the school holidays for anyone aged 10-16 who wishes to get to grips with guitar, bass or drums.

The idea came to organisers Scott Ballard and Jody Barratt as a way to get young people not just learning instruments, but also jamming with other like-minded musicians of a similar age, while promising a fun time for those attending.

Classes start from July 23-27, and because the academy is supported by Lincoln College, it will be based in the Knights Building on the college campus.

Students will be split in age groups 10-13 and 14-16. Each group will have two hours of tuition each day followed by a performance at the end of the week if they are comfortable and wish to.

Students will have access to the college music department’s equipment and facilities too.

Those attending the Absolute Rock Academy will be taught by a range of tutors, including members of Lincoln’s busiest and most promising unsigned bands.

These include Casey Howden, drummer and percussionist with The Treehouse (pictured) and Ballard himself, who is one-quarter of The Freefall.

Ballard said: “My time in The Freefall has been brilliant for developing my live playing.

“We want to inspire the students the same way into advancing on their instruments to reach a higher level and give them the confidence to both work with other musicians and perform”.

“You always learn something from playing with other people, no matter how small.”