READY TO ROCK – SLIGO'S “SCHOOL OF ROCK” LAUNCHES NEW TERM

Sligo, AUG 25 2010: Sligo Contemporary Music School (SCMS), Sligo's own “ School of Rock ”, has become a recognised centre of excellence in the North West of Ireland for tuition in guitar, bass drums, piano/keyboards and saxophone. SCMS has taken two very progressive steps in 2010. It has moved to new premises, joining forces somewhat with Sligo Academy of Music at St Edwards School. SCMS has also just become an official “Rockschool” exam centre and now offers vocal tuition for the first time.

SCMS directors Eddie Lee and Ken McDonald are experienced performers and educators, well known locally for their performances with many Sligo based bands and in shows such as “An Evening with Sgt Pepper”. Eddie Lee also runs Sligo Jazz Project's annual International Summer School and Jazz Festival. This obvious wealth of experience is being put to good use as SCMS enters a new era.

SCMS is now based at St Edwards School, Ballytivnan, Sligo , under the same roof as Sligo Academy of Music, with whom SCMS has forged a strong partnership. SCMS has contributed student members to the Sligo Academy of Music's fine youth Orchestra, rather than compete with each other for students, the two music schools run very much hand in hand, complementing each other with two very distinct strands of tuition, one contemporary rock/pop/jazz, the other classical.

“Rockschool” is a hugely successful performance-oriented programme for the tuition of popular instruments and vocals. Like many music institutions Rockschool employs a grades system, where students can study, practice and take certificate exams in grades of their choice, from Debut to Grade 8, and Rockschool now offers music performance and tuition diplomas also. Rockschool's internationally recognised grades are accredited by Trinity College London.

In June 2010 SCMS welcomed its first official Rockschool examiner as twelve students sat Rockschool exams. The results were superb with a 100% pass record.

Students aged 8 and upwards are accepted into SCMS. All tuition is via one to one, weekly lessons with a Tuesday to Thursday timetable built outside school hours. Contact 071 9157862

SCMS at present offers instrumental courses in electric and acoustic guitar and bass (Glenn Garrett), electric and acoustic bass (Eddie Lee), drums (Ken McDonald), keyboards (Heidi Wilson, Eddie Lynch) and saxophone (Stan Burns). Vocals (Susan Tomelty). Classes will take place at St Edwards after school hours, from 3.45pm to 9pm weekdays. SCMS at present accepts students aged 8 or over and there is no upper age limit. Beginners to advanced students will be catered for.