A new Shrewsbury rock and pop school has won its own raving fans just months after opening.
The Rock Project, which is held weekly in The Barnabas Centre, opened in November last year.
Its sessions help 7-18 year olds learn drums, bass, guitar and singing with a group of professional musicians, and play together in a band. It’s this combination that’s been credited with helping young people build self-esteem and confidence.
One of those who has benefited is 13-year-old Ethan Goddard-Cockaday who joined The Rock Project with his nine-year-old brother Dillon.
Ethan suffers with Asperger’s Syndrome and mum Sam was unsure whether The Rock Project would suit him because of his particular needs.
“Ethan had previously had some guitar lessons at school where he benefits from a pupil-centred curriculum, but because we’re in a rural community the children don’t get the option to play with other young people in a band,” said Sam of Craven Arms.
“The Rock Project was something totally new to him and I can’t believe how much he’s progressed because of it. It has been invaluable for him to experience playing in a band with others and he’s achieved more than I ever thought possible.
“He’s a real rock fan as well so we’re getting used to hearing him play the guitar at home and already have a set of drums waiting to be used in the garage.”
Her second son Dillon began playing the ukulele in school and found it an easy transition to play bass guitar in The Rock Project.
“Dillon wasn’t in the least bit confident about performing in front of other people but already he’s agreed to appear in a school concert, playing the ukulele and reading poetry. The effect it’s had on his self-esteem has been huge,” she added.
Over the past decade, The Rock Project has developed into the UK’s leading school for children’s contemporary music tuition with more than 40 schools nationwide.
The weekly school offers young people the chance to train with a group of professional musicians. The aim is to help students develop their talents on electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals as well as experience playing together as a band.
The Rock Project takes place at The Barnabas Centre, Longden Coleham Road, Shrewsbury every Tuesday. It is divided into juniors for 7-11 year olds from 4.15pm to 6.15pm and seniors for 11-18 year olds from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. All of the instruments are supplied.
For further details visit www.therockproject.com or contact Lisa Wordley via shrewsbury@therockproject.com or call 07533 417768.
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