SCHOOL of Rock is coming to Launceston.

This Saturday, an open day will be held at McQueen’s Dance and Theatre School on Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston, to launch a new and exciting project to promote musical learning and performing — ‘School of Rock’.

The brainchild of local musician Martyn Callwood, and supported and enhanced by theatre teachers Rachel and Mark Oles of McQueen’s, School of Rock will plunge budding musicians and performers into the spotlight at the fortnightly classes held at the theatre studio on Pennygillam, encouraging young people to learn a new instrument and how to perform confidently on stage.

Martyn is a former professional touring and recording musician from Launceston. Over the years Martyn has worked with bands and artists such as UB40, Happy Mondays, The Buzzcocks, Aswad, Soul II Soul, Bad Manners, Toploader, plus many more.

After a colourful career, which led to playing all over the world and recording with some major names in the record industry, Martyn decided to hang up his touring hat to spend more quality time with his wife, Laura, and young children, and turned his attention to teaching.

Martyn said: “The School of Rock is something that I’ve been carefully planning for a long time now, but it had to be the right time. Fortunately Rachel and Mark are great friends of mine, so it felt right to do this in partnership with McQueen’s Dance and Theatre CIC. They’re on the same page as me regarding how to teach and how to inspire young people. McQueen’s is already a well established theatre school, so it was a no-brainer really, to launch this with people that I trust.”

The School of Rock is designed to teach children and young people of all ages and abilities the ‘full package’ of the band experience. Children will learn not only how to play but also the things that generally do not get taught in music lessons such as musicianship, gear maintenance and setup, the science behind the instruments, live sound production, stage performance and confidence in front of a crowd.

Martyn continued: “I wish the School of Rock was around when I was a kid. I was taught by some first class tutors, but nobody prepares you for that first gig, or playing with other musicians — I had to learn the hard way. It’s something that’s hugely important but so overlooked.

“When there is so much electronically, mass-produced music thrust at kids these days, I want them to know where real, raw music comes from and that you can have the most amazing fun creating it with your friends. Also, being able to give the kids a chance to play in a proper band on stage with lights and smoke is something I would have loved as a kid.”

Uniquely, the School of Rock supplies full equipment for kids to use during lessons. Armed with a range of brand new electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, keyboards and drum kits, complete beginners are welcome to come and try it out for themselves without parents having to fork out for expensive equipment.

The fortnightly School of Rock classes will be held at McQueen’s studio, led by Martyn, Rachel and Mark.

Rachel and Mark are looking forward to starting the School of Rock and introducing something new to local young people.

Rachel said: “Martyn approached us a few months ago now and put the idea to us for School of Rock, which we loved. It’s not just teaching them to play an instrument, it’s about teaching them how to perform and be confident on the stage. It’s a totally new concept that we are keen to introduce here.”

Mark said: “It’s amazing that we will be able to have it all under one roof. There will be drums, keyboard, vocals taught by Rachel, bass guitar and more. Other students might get more involved with the tech side and we have photography students who will be able to work on different projects for School of Rock.”

“There’s so much coming together,” Rachel continued. “There’s different people and lots of opportunities that are going to be brought about by this idea that Martyn had.”

McQueen’s recently benefited from the Co-op Local Causes fundraising scheme which resulted in them receiving over £5,000, much of which has been put towards new equipment for the School of Rock.

Rachel added: “By August they should be able to play a good few numbers. We’ve invested a lot of money in the instruments.”

“Some of the funding is going to be used for other projects so we needed to get other funding for this as well,” Mark said. “Martyn has toured all around the world. He’s such a chilled character, which is perfect for the School of Rock and being around young people.”

The School of Rock will also focus around encouraging the students to embrace their talent in whatever form it takes — whether it is musically, technically or developing new skills.

Rachel said: “It’s about building confidence and getting as many people involved as possible. It’s teaching them skills to take them into lots of other areas — our students can deliver presentations and talk to the public from the confidence they have gained.

“Not everybody is going to end up on the stage, but if we have given them the confidence to give them further employment, we have succeeded. Martyn is very nurturing, like us, so he is the perfect person to do this with.”

The School of Rock will not be a strict or serious environment — Martyn, Rachel and Mark aim to provide students with the skills they need, as well as having fun.

Mark said: “It’s about keeping everyone in Launceston aware of it. If you have a talent, come and express it, or just come and be silly!”

Rachel agreed, and said: “No one gets laughed at for doing something wrong. It’s all a learning process.”

Mark added: “We’re really excited for School of Rock. We’re looking forward to the moment they work as a unit and create something amazing.”

School of Rock will launch this Saturday, with an open day from 10am to 4pm. People of all ages will be able to pop in and have a go on the instruments available, with the opportunity to sign up for the classes. There will also be a chance to listen to a professional gig to see what is achievable.