ARE YOUR KIDS READY TO ROCK? Holiday Rock Skool turns kids into rockstars

June 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Sydney’s very own rock and roll academy, Big Music Australia, is recruiting budding musicians aged 8-18 for its hands-on school holiday programs.

This isn’t vacation care, or a week at Nanna’s – this is an intensive, engaging and most importantly fun program which inspires children to learn how to play music.

It’s designed so the kids are totally immersed in the process and don’t feel like they are working or studying, instead learning core skills such as teamwork and “practice makes perfect”, while igniting a healthy passion for musical participation.

Held in state of the art facilities in Crows Nest, Holiday Rock Skool, covers two separate programs for beginner musicians and for kids who have some experience.

Ultimate Rock Experience is for less experienced or beginner musicians who want to see how a rock band works. In this four-day program, students will have the opportunity to get started on drums, bass, guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals.

At the end of the week, the kids get to show off their new skills in front of family and friends by performing some songs as part of a band ensemble.

For kids who already have a decent command of an instrument, can play basic chords and rhythms or can sing in tune, the Band Program maybe a better choice for them.

In this four-day program, students are formed into bands (of usually five) and are coached by a professional musician to prepare for a performance on stage in a real rock venue.  

They perform in front of family and friends on the final afternoon, encompassing a week of “rock star” experiences.

“Dean of Rock” Damon Lesnie says parents are often “staggered” by the quality of the performance delivered by their children.

“Tears of joy and pride are a common occurrence here at Holiday Rock Skool,” he says. “It really does get quite emotional, but that’s what makes it such a wonderful experience for the kids and their parents.”

Ten-year-old Zoe McKinnon is a graduate of a number of Holiday Rock Skool programs, she is a singer who also plays drums, piano and guitar and has aspirations of being a professional performer.

Zoe’s father Paul McKinnon says: “She has gotten a real feeling of feeling of self-worth, unlimited potential and camaraderie and huge encouragement to excel in her passion for music.”

Zoe enjoys singing pop songs and ballads from her favourite artists including Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne and Rihanna, and has been studying music since she was six.

“If your kids have a desire to express themselves through music, there is no better place in Sydney to provide the professional and caring environment they need to nurture their musical talent,” Mr McKinnon says.

*Both four-day programs cost $440.00 per child. BMA also runs weekly band sessions for school age kids called “4 O’ Clock Rock” and adult programs and hosts band coaching sessions for about 40 bands per week.

To enrol your child or for more information, contact Big Music Australia on 1 300 55 44 20 go to the website www.bigmusic.com.au

To interview Damon Lesnie or Paul McKinnon, please call Brooke Stoddart from Marketing Angels on 0438 677 588.