YOUNGSTERS from Chippenham and Corsham will be able to rock out as a multi-talented musician who has played alongside the Arctic Monkeys is launching rock schools for children.

Julian Pugsley, 47 from Melksham and has performed in the iconic Cavern Club in Liverpool, is opening The Rock Project to teach children and teenagers aged seven to 18 how to play music they love as they are tutored by professional gigging musicians.

Mr Pugsley, who works for Carer Support Wiltshire, will launch the new schools in Chippenham and Corsham on October 10 and 11.

He said: “I’ve played in a number of groups since I was 15-years-old after joining a Joy Division covers band at school.

“Then I started writing my own songs and in the early noughties my band Karmatruffle was signed to an independent record label which saw us share the bill with the Arctic Monkeys in Cardiff.

“I’ve always loved performing and know how much it can build confidence in young people and help them develop their talents while making a new circle of like-minded friends.”

Mr Pugsley is a father to his equally music-loving children Daisy, 10, and Noah, 5, and is a former primary school teaching assistant.

He has been recording and releasing his own music under the pseudonym Blake since 2003.

He aims to combine both experiences to launch his own schools of rock in Chippenham and Corsham.

“The Rock Project is such an innovative concept that has the ability to help young people thrive, not just as musicians, but in their everyday lives,” he explained.

“I’m incredibly excited about launching the two schools and watching them develop in the rehearsal room and as performers live on stage.”

The Rock Project will take place every Wednesday 4pm-6pm for juniors aged seven-11, and 6.15pm-8.15pm for seniors aged 11-18 at The Cause in Chippenham, and every Thursday 4pm-6pm for juniors and 6.15pm-8.15pm for seniors at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham starting from October 10.

All of the instruments are supplied and half of the two-hour long sessions will provide tuition on bass, guitar, drums or vocals, while the second half will bring the students together to perform as a band.

Form more information, please visit: www.therockproject.com or contact Julian at chippenham@therockproject.com or 07801 571616.