GRAMMY nominated singer songwriter Garrison Starr has been announced as the guest artist for the Rock Academy IOM summer school.
The academy provides top quality instrumental and vocal tutoring by bringing industry professionals from across the globe to the Island for the benefit of local young musicians.
Los Angeles based Garrison originally signed to Geffen Records in 1996 at the age of 21 and since that time she has released work under Virgin Records and Vanguard Records with a total of six solo studio albums and various EPs under her belt.
Now an independent artist, Garrison has enjoyed success with numerous US hit singles including Superhero and Beautiful in Los Angeles.
Her music has featured on a number of TV shows, including The Hills and Life Unexpected.
A tireless live performer, Garrison has toured, recorded and performed with artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Glen Phillips, Steve Earle and Josh Joplin.
Last year her collaborative project Cho-dependent with Margaret Cho received a Grammy Nomination.
Garrison's most recent album Relive, released in October 2010, is a live album with Jay Nash and includes stunning live performances of some of her best loved songs from the last 15 years.
Matt Creer, from Rock Academy IOM, said: "This is really exciting news for us.
"Garrison will be running songwriting and performance workshops for the summer school students, but also giving a first hand insight into the realities of being both a signed and independent artist in today's music business.
"She is an amazing live performer and will be doing a show or two while she's here."
Rock Academy IOM was formed in 2010 and awarded charity status at the end of last year.
The 2010 summer school and autumn guitar weekend were big successes and organisers say this year is set to be bigger and better.
In addition to Garrision Starr, other tutors confirmed so far are UK folk rock singer songwriter Chris T-T, guitar virtuoso Lewis Turner and vocal coaches Jay Norton and Kim Roberts.
The summer school runs from August 1 to August 5.
There is also a vocal weekend running on February 26 and 27. More details of this and other courses are available at www.rockacademyiom.com or by emailing rockacademyiom@live.co.uk
