Young people across Ross and Cromarty are being invited to take part in Careers Scotland's 'School of Rock'.

Careers Scotland (in partnership with Eden Court and the Highland Council), are hosting a series of 2 day modern music workshops across three venues in Ross and Cromarty in early August.

Workshops on the 2nd and 3rd August will be in Ullapool's MacPhail Centre, on the 4th and 5th of August at Tain Youth Café and the 8th and 9th August at Dingwall Academy. It is also hoped to provide an opportunity for young people to show case their achievements at a family and friends concert in the Dingwall venue on the 10th August.

The workshops are for young people aged 14+  who have a growing interest in the world of music but need some direction, guidance and input to show them the value of their interest.

Iain Eisner, Careers Scotland Senior Adviser, said: "There is no requirement for the young person to be in a band - these events hope to attract young people from many different backgrounds and are certainly not targeted at proficient musicians.

"The workshops aim to highlight the range of careers available to musicians and the range of skills required. It is also important that young people involved in the music industry appreciate that the skills developed through music can also be used in many different careers, throughout their lives..  We also hope to inspire the young people to make plans, increase their self confidence, but most of all we want it to be great fun ".

Over the two days students will get inputs on performance, music technology, stage management, visual presentation and enterprise skills, whilst visiting celebrities will provide expert advice based on real life experiences in the industry.

The students participating will also be able to access details of initiatives, music contacts and other programmes that may be of interest to them and their future careers in music over the course of the two days.

Careers Scotland will be working in partnership with Jim Hunter Music in the design and delivery of the workshops.  Jim said: "If you are at all interested in music whether it be on the playing side, or helping on the stage and technical side, these are the workshops for you."
 
The event will be free of charge to participants but the workshops will be restricted to a maximum of 30 at each venue.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact the Dingwall Careers Scotland Centre on 01349 864914