What is Rockschools?
Founded in 1990, Rockschools was set up by David Taylor to encourage young musicians to gain the social and technical skills and confidence required to play in a rock band.
The first ever of its kind, Rockschools offers aspiring rock musicians a groundbreaking training opportunity based on an inspirational and innovative philosophy rarely seen in an educational setting.
“We have been thrilled with the success of Rockschools. There is no doubt that Rockschools is fun, but it is our ultimate aim that students are inspired to create music and develop confidence in their abilities. Over the years we have seen those who are shy emerge into budding stars, and individuals forge friendships that have lasted years.” – David Taylor, founder of Rockschools.
Based in Towcester and serving South Northamptonshire. Rockschools offers individual instrumental tuition in electric guitar, drums, acoustic guitar and electric bass plus the opportunity to form a band and play gigs and concerts.
Rockschools operates on Saturday afternoons from Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary School during term time. Students develop their instrumental and vocal skills, learn about stage lighting effects and study the basics of sound engineering. Marketing and music promotion techniques are also taught. All students participate in an inspirational end-of-term performance in front of a large audience.
Experienced, professional teachers encourage students to set their own goals and to work on their own initiative in a relaxed and friendly student-centred environment.
Rockschools bands gain further experience from invitations to appear at local clubs and outside venues. Bands created through Rockschools have twice won awards at the National Festival of Music for Youth, and annually perform at the National Rock and Pop Festival held at the NEC.
Rockschools Teachers
Founder of Rockschools and Guitar Teacher
Mr David Taylor
David Taylor has been teaching the guitar in and around Northamptonshire for more than 20 years. He teaches privately from his home in the peaceful surroundings of rural Northamptonshire and is the founder of Rockschools. With a firm belief in a flexible and relaxed learning environment, and his unique teaching methods, David Taylor has a natural ability to inspire all ages and abilities and his students consistently out-perform their own expectations under his gentle guidance.
Former Rockschools student and multi instrumentalist
Mr David Tarbun
David Tarbun was a Rockschools student between 1999 and 2002. In that time he was part of bands that performed at the National Festival and won awards in other competitions such as Rotary Young Musician. He has also performed with multiple gigging bands over the years. David has a passion for the rhythm section and loves to teach bass guitar and drums.
“Rockschools meant so much to me when I was a student. It was always the highlight of the week to see my friends, make new ones and play music together. I hope I can help students now experience that sense of fun and achievement.”