Held at St Barnabas Hall in Weeke, Rock Out! Winchester is one of six Rock Out schools in the local area aiming to offer young people music lessons with a difference. Music lover and MP for Winchester Steve Brine had a great time joining in with the lesson, trying his hand at both the guitar and drums, as well as taking part in the joint jam session.
Speaking about his visit to Rock Out! Winchester Steve Brine said: "This was so much fun, I love live music and there's something magical about seeing young people getting started on a career which could take them around the world or to main stage at Glastonbury.
"I really like what the Rock Out schools do and the passion of the tutors for their craft was obvious to all. I'd just been to see Fleetwood Mac at the o2 when I visited the school in Weeke and there was a brilliant moment when one young man learning the bass listened to the famous chords from 'The Chain', which featured on the band's album Rumours, on my iPhone and then played it back to me. He might just go far."
Oliver Wilson-Barnes, founder of Rock Out! Music Schools said: "Rock Out is all about giving children aged 7 to 16 an opportunity to learn an instrument in a structured way while playing with other musicians in a jam session every week, it really is a lot of fun!
"We were delighted to welcome Steve along to one of our weekly lessons, the students really enjoyed his visit and he certainly seemed to have fun trying the instruments and jamming with everyone."
Rock Out! offers tuition in guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and vocals to children of all levels and musical abilities, including beginners. Each week students work through structured course materials, before coming together at the end of the session to jam and perform popular songs.
Pupils also have the opportunity to show off their skills and perform at many local festivals and live events. With Rock Out! schools located in Winchester, Chandler's Ford, Alton, Alresford, Bishopstoke and Hedge End offering weekly lessons there are plenty of opportunities for local children to join in the fun.
Pictured; Oliver Wilson-Barnes, Jack Hodskinson (kneeling), Steve Brine MP, Dan Harding, Anthony Bealing, Aimee Mackenzie, Lewis Barker (kneeling), Brooke Hodskinson and Antony Cull
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