ZIP ROCKSCHOOL
Pioneering Music in the West Midlands
Rockschool Courses
Background
Zip Rockschool was created in 1990 with the aim of providing a wide range of music-based services across the West Midlands and beyond.
The initial Rockschool courses covered all elements of the music industry, from playing skills to business and management. The programme was accredited by the BCAF and ran for a highly successful four years.
Building on this triumphant venture, Zip Rockschool began work to develop an NVQ in musicianship, a BTEC in music technology and an A-level course also in music technology. All three courses were very popular, delivered using industry standard audio equipment in a professional studio environment.
At present Zip Rockschool has never been busier, working with a long list of schools in the West Midlands area and performing many services for a wide variety of target groups.
Rockschool tutors are talented in all areas of music, including specialism in instrument tuition, sound engineering and composition. The team is highly experienced in working with a wide range of target beneficiaries and can create innovative programmes to suit any requirements.
Throughout the academic year short courses are delivered to pupils in composition and performance. Skills developed during these projects have assisted students in achieving highly at GCSE level.
Zip Rockschool's innovative and highly successful programme to engage and motivate young people who are not in education, employment or training is rooted in the popular Performance Skills course.
Young people who are 16 to 19 years of age, NEET, and interested in developing their musical skills can achieve a Level 1 accreditation through music, recording and performance.
These 10 week courses run for 16 hours weekly and participating students are eligible for an EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) grant.
For further information or details about course dates, etc, ring 01902 572250 or email admin@ziptheatre.co.uk
Zip Rockschool has recently developed an innovative Music Basic Skills programme. Delivered in partnership with the Black Country Learning and Skills Council and accredited by the Open College Network this course has achieved great success in improving literacy standards amongst young people who have fallen out of mainstream provision.
This exciting new training opportunity delivers an accredited literacy qualification in the context of a hands-on, enjoyable yet educational music programme, the Rockschool's Music Basic Skills course is different to other basic skills courses in that it utilises "stealth learning" techniques to feed knowledge to learners who may have rejected more conventional methods of education.
The course is delivered primarily at Zip Rockschool's professional sound studio, utilising industry standard recording equipment and software in a disciplined working environment. Zip's team of music tutors are trained in delivering basic skills and are highly experienced in working with a variety of disaffected groups.
The course has been written and developed by the Rockschool with LSC funding to deliver the national qualification in Literacy Entry Level 3 through the medium of music.
IT skills are also incorporated into the training programme in various forms. When working in the Rockschool's professional standard multi-track recording studio, students create music using dedicated software, as well as using computers for CD design and word processing.
Gospel workshops have been developed to:
encourage pupils to work in an interactive group-based situation
improve students' cultural awareness
Work in gospel sessions includes development of harmony, melody, rhythm, team-building and knowledge of gospel origins.
Content includes: vocal exercises, breathing exercises, exploring harmonies, singing together.
Gospel workshops are fun for participants and generate a great sense of vocal achievement which stimulates pupils to develop their music and singing skills.