A multi-talented musician from Melksham, who played alongside the Arctic Monkeys and performed in the iconic Cavern Club, is launching two rock schools for youngsters in Chippenham and Corsham.
Julian Pugsley is opening The Rock Project where professional musicians will teach youngsters aged 7-18 how to play the music they love. Father-of-two Julian, who works for Carer Support Wiltshire, will launch the new schools on October 10th and 11th.
He said, “I’ve played in a number of groups since I was 15 years old after joining a Joy Division covers band at school. Then I started writing my own songs and in the early noughties my band Karmatruffle were signed to an independent record label, which saw us sharing the bill with the Arctic Monkeys in Cardiff.
“I’ve always loved performing and know how much it can build confidence in young people and help them develop their talents while making a new circle of like-minded friends.”
Julian’s journalist dad interviewed John Lennon in 1969 and now Julian performs as John Lennon in the tribute band ‘All You Need Is The Beatles’. The band has performed across Europe since 2009 and Julian has played onstage with Robbie Williams’s songwriting partner, Guy Chambers.
Julian has been recording and releasing his own music under the pseudonym ‘Blake’ since 2003 and is releasing his first album on vinyl this month. He also plays in covers band ‘Modern Vintage’ and has a Bob Dylan tribute act, ‘Mr Tambourine Man’.
The father of music-loving Daisy aged 10 and 5-year-old Noah is a former primary school teaching assistant and will combine both experiences to launch his own school of rock.
“The Rock Project is such an innovative concept and has the ability to help young people thrive not just as musicians, but in their everyday lives,” he added. I’m incredibly excited about launching the two schools and watching them develop in the rehearsal room and as performers live on stage.”
The Rock Project will take place every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm (junior) and 6.15pm to 8.15pm (senior) at The Cause, Chippenham and every Thursday from 4pm to 6pm (juniors) and 6.15pm to 8.15pm (seniors) at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham.
The sessions for juniors are for those aged 7-11 and seniors from 11 to 18-years-old. All of the instruments are supplied for use in the sessions. Half of the two-hour-long sessions will provide tuition on bass, guitar, drums or vocals, while the second half will bring the students together to perform as a band.
For further details visit www.therockproject.com or contact Julian at chippen ham@therockproject.com or on 07801 571616.
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