Summer Rock Schools 2007

Young people from the Highlands and Islands are being given the opportunity to rock and roll with John Sinclair - a keyboard supremo who played in the Ozzy Osbourne band for 17 years.

John, along with four additional musicians from the Highlands, is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise Careers Scotland bringing Rock School 2007 to various venues in the Highlands and Islands.

The workshops are aimed at young people aged 14 to 19 in school and beyond who have a growing interest in music and need some direction, guidance and input to show them the value of their interest.

The first set of workshops was held in Thurso Youth Club from 11 to 13 July. The next set of workshops will be at the Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness 25 to 27 July followed by the first Rock School to be held in Stornoway at Lews Castle College from 1 to 3 August. The final three-day event will be at the North Highland College in Alness from 7 to 9 August.

There are some places left at each of the remaining workshops for anyone who might be interested in taking part. Each event last three days and culminates with a showcase performance which is open to the public.

Shirley Stephenson, 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.

"Basic life skills such as communication, teamwork and decision making are all acquired as a by-product of learning to be in a band. These are vital for career planning and career resilience in a rapidly changing job market."

John, who has also played with Uriah Heep and the Cult, is able to tell true tales of his life in the most hedonistic and glamorous era of modern music. He is open about the battle he has won over addiction and is keen to help others make healthy choices. John is a trained therapist and said: "I had to seriously address these problems so I can relate to youngsters who often have self-esteem issues themselves. It's great to see people respond and blossom through a medium like rock music and most of all - having fun."

One of the tutors who has been heavily involved in the design and delivery of the workshops is local musician Jim Hunter who will work alongside Robbie Dunsmore - a Dingwall based musician and sound recordist, Terry Small - producer, performer and song-writer and Gareth Ince, a professional sound engineer and performer, working with local Inverness rock band Jyrojets.

Over the three days, the young people will get inputs on performance, music technology and recording, stagecraft and song writing.  The experienced team of tutors will give advice based on their real life experiences of the music industry.

The workshops are run in collaboration with partner agencies such as Highland Council Community Learning and Leisure, Healthways, North Highland and Lews Castle Colleges and Young Musicians Hebrides.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Careers Scotland on 01463 252100.