Rock Academy has opened its doors for registration – and young people who sign up for the summer school can learn from a Grammy-nominated artist. American singer/songwriter Garrison Starr will be among the tutors at Rock Academy from 1st to 5th August. During an 18-year career, rock and folk rock artist Starr, from Tennessee, has made eight albums and two EPs and has toured with Melissa Etheridge, Steve Earle and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Her collaborative project Cho-dependent, with Margaret Cho, earned her a Grammy nomination last year. Rock Academy, being held at St Ninian’s Lower School, will build on the success of the inaugural event, held last summer. Claire Creer, organiser, said: ‘Since then, Rock Academy has gone from strength to strength, becoming a registered charity and holding weekend workshops. ‘This year’s summer school promises to be even better than last year and one of the most exciting pieces of news is that Garrison Starr is going to be one of the tutors.’ There are 40 places for 13 to 20-year-olds and places cost ?125. Participants will receive instrument/voice tuition and attend workshops covering aspects of the music business – songwriting, soundchecking, improvisation etc – and will have time to rehearse as a band. The week will culminate in a gig on the final night, to which family and friends will be invited. Claire said: ‘We are pleased to welcome back tutors from last year, including Lewis Turner (guitar), Kim Roberts and Jay Norton (vocals), Shane Kerwin (drums) and Matt Creer (songwriting and performance). We are also welcoming back modern folk artist Chris TT. Steve Gisbey will be joining the team to tutor bass.’ Claire, who is Head of Music at St Ninian’s, said: ‘It’s a great opportunity for the young people of the Isle of Man to have musicians of this calibre coming to our Island.’ Applications can be made via the Rock Academy website rockacademyiom@live.co.uk or through Claire at c.creer@snhs.sch.im Ends