Rock Band Juniors (7 - 11 years)

In this 11-week course, students will learn, rehearse and perform modern rock/pop songs together in a band of 8 members and will learn a variety of modern rock and pop songs. At the end of the term, students will perform in a showcase for parents/relatives in The Cube at The Crescent on Saturday 1st April. 

The instruments include; 

• Vocals
• Guitar (acoustic or electric)
• Keyboard
• Bass
• Drums

Places per instrument are limited.  

Skill level:

Rock band is open to beginner-intermediate players although it may be beneficial for students to have at least some experience on their instrument of choice (approx. 6 months). However, rock band is a low-pressure environment for kids to get together and enjoy making music as a group. There will always be a range of abilities in the group and that is totally fine! Some students may be able to play full guitar/drum/keyboard parts while others can accompany with simple melodies or rhythms. 

What to bring:

All equipment will be provided for students. This includes an electronic drum kit, percussion, keyboards, guitar amps, microphones and a PA system. Guitarists/bassists should bring their own instruments and drummers should bring their own drumsticks. A small number of guitars can be made available upon request (advanced notice required).  

About the Tutor

Gary Lutton is a final-year PhD researcher at Ulster University and a lecturer in music at Belfast Metropolitan College. His research focuses on developing a new improvisatory vocabulary for fingerstyle guitar, integrating theories from cognitive psychology and flow.

Gary has been a lecturer at Belfast Met for 4 years and frequently gives workshops at Ulster University, in local schools and at community events.He is a touring musician in the UK, Europe and the US, winning Sky TV’s Guitar Star (2015) and placing 3rd in global competition Six String Theory (2014).

Gary is also a founding member of US-based record label Fretmonkey Records and co-ordinates the Belfast Guitar Night, a bi-monthly event at The Crescent featuring guitarists from around the globe.