Future rock stars can now get their kicks – and qualifications – at Kirklees College.
A new RockSchool and Performance course will start this month.
The level 2 Subsidiary Diploma in Music – Rock School will run from the Highfields Centre for music, media and performance in Huddersfield.
The centre boasts newly-equipped rehearsal rooms, Mac suites and professional recording studios, giving students access to industry standard equipment and software.
Former Kirklees College student Ben Carter, now drummer with the band Evile, said the college had given him his chance in music.
He said: “The course at Kirklees College is something that helped me realise my ambitions and unlock my potential.
“Now, having many more facilities, such as the Mac Suites and the fully-equipped live and rehearsal rooms with Mapex Meridan drumkits, it will be even better.
“This course is the only choice if you want a course that covers the entire scope of music production, through both practical and electronic music performance.”
The course focuses on the recognition of achievement through practical music and business and music technology skills.
Students are given the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned through a variety of events during the course.
Graham Lees, music tutor at Kirklees College, said: “Students will get the opportunity to perform in the music department’s Livestock gigs which take place throughout the year at local venues.
“They will be involved with Industry Unplugged, a music business seminar which runs in springtime along with exposure to our own record label and see their work released on to iTunes and Spotify worldwide.”
The RockSchool qualification is aimed at beginners through to semi-professionals and will enable direct progression into the music industry or on to a higher level of study such as Level 3 Music and Music Technology, which also runs at Kirklees College.
John Robb, a TV pundit and journalist for The Guardian and The Independent, backed the new course, but said there was no substitute for hard work.
“Don’t go to college to just hang around in the hopes of getting on X Factor,” he said.
“You need to learn all aspects of music and the business. I like the way that Kirklees College has done this.”
For more information on the course ring 01484 437070 or email info@kirkleescollege.co.uk.
