School of Rock: The real-life Telford project teaching the art of stagecraft
Would-be music gods are honing their stage presence and musical talent at a real-life School of Rock in Telford.
The roar of the crowd, head banging and shredding the guitar – many of us spent our youth dreaming about being rock stars.
And if you’ve ever fancied being Dave Grohl, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks or Debbie Harry but are stuck playing in your bedroom and don’t know where to start – then pick up your plectrums, drumsticks and microphones and head to the real life school of rock.
You may have images of Jack Black strutting around singing “rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme” from The School Of Rock film, but The Rock Project in Telford is a real-life version which teaches children and adults alike how to embrace their inner star and hit the stage.
The project is run by mother and daughter duo Remynie-Kiah Faith and Gail Faith from Newport.
“It’s a school of rock and pop,” says Remy. “We take people from all sorts of levels from beginners to advanced, those who do and don’t have instruments. The idea is to learn your instrument and play in a band.”
The project holds lessons and terms throughout the academic year and culminates in an almighty rock show.
“We learn a song per week, or every two weeks, and that song is a tool used by the tutors to help people learn to play their instruments, to teach techniques, timing, theory. Everything you need to be a fantastic musician,” she says.
“All of our tutors have years of gigging, writing and recording experience including touring all of the UK and Europe. They are passionate about music and teaching ensuring the lessons are fun, upbeat and memorable.”
The Rock Project is a franchise and there are a number of schools across the country, although Telford is the only one that has it’s own dedicated permanent building where guitars line the wall and there is a stage for budding rockers to practise their Mick Jagger moves.
