The cream of young local musical talent from across north-east Hampshire jammed their way through a special workshop this week alongside professional guitarists, singers and drummers at Aldershot’s West End Centre.

Rocked Out 4 is the brainchild of Tom Stevens, who set up the annual week-long event in 2005 with friends to offer teenage musicians the chance to experience playing as a band on stage.

Students are given the opportunity to learn a range of new skills designed to build their confidence and equip them with know-how about organising gigs themselves.

Mr Stevens, guitarist in the band Brunette Mindcontrol, who have played at the centre, said practical experience for the 28 students was invaluable.

“It’s important that they are being taught by current musicians as they’re being shown how things are done by people currently involved in the scene,” he added.

Mr Stevens, who has taught music technology at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, said: “I started Rocked Out in 2005 with a few mates as there weren’t that many places locally for under-18s to go and perform as they were too young to play gigs in pubs and clubs. It’s grown from there and become really popular.”

Bass tutor Jon Pearce, who played his first ever live gig at the West End Centre with his former band Angel, said the workshop was an ideal opportunity for young musicians to learn their trade.

“It’s wonderful to see people progress in the way that they have this week,” he said. “We try to have a really relaxing atmosphere for the students so they feel comfortable to perform.

“It can be very daunting to get on stage and play your instruments, so we’re hoping to help the students with their confidence so they can achieve the assurance to play in front of an audience.”

Mr Pearce, now part of Camberley band Reuben, who played at the Queen’s Road venue’s Westival musical extravaganza last month, was impressed at the standard on show from the 14 to 18-year-old pupils.

“It’s great as there are some familiar faces from the past few workshops,” he added. “Some have been here before and it’s brilliant to see their progress. The idea is to have a great time, learn new things and be surrounded by like-minded young musicians.”

Jacob Greenwood, a student of Mr Pearce, said he had been daunted previously about appearing before an audience.

“I came here to get some experience from people who have been there and done it,” the 16-year-old from Fleet said.

“I think that it’s going OK so far — it’s been brilliant.”

Tom Thorpe, another bass player, is attending his third Rocked Out workshop.

“I love metal and rock music and coming here really has allowed me to develop bass skills,” the 17-year-old from Lightwater said.

“I’m between bands at the moment so it’s brilliant to meet other local musicians and play with them.” 

Bonnie Trevellyan, 18, a Sixth Form College, Farnbor-ough, student, hopes to improve her vocal skills under professional tutor Lucy Cannon.

“I lacked the confidence before as I’d never really sung in front of a large crowd,” Miss Trevellyan, who is from Farnborough, said.

“I hadn’t sung with a backing band before so this workshop is very useful for me as it gives me the extra experience.”

She is given a song to learn daily and has to perform it with musical accompaniment in front of her peers. “Some of the tracks I’ve been doing, like The Pretender by The Foo Fighters, are pretty full-on, but they’ve been great,” she added.

Miss Cannon said: “The workshop gives people like Bonnie the chance to do something different as they might not get the opportunity in school or elsewhere to do such a thing. There are some really talented musicians here and it’s fabulous to be a part of their development.

“We give them different songs to practise so that they can try a range of different types in order to give them the best possible experience.” 

The students, who paid £150 for the course, will perform together on stage Friday, August 8, at the West End Centre to conclude the  programme.