The Hour

If you’re stuck for ideas on how to keep the kids entertained during the Easter holiday, look no further than YRock School.

YRock School is a weeklong course located in both Edinburgh and Glasgow which enables kids aged between 11-16 years to come together and sing in a band.

Whether you are interested in singing, playing the guitar or drums YRock offers a great opportunity for the young budding musicians of the future. 

Run by owner Grant McWhirter, who wanted to bring something a different for kids who have an interest in music.

“When I started YRock, I thought that’s something people are going to really like and I know there is a lot of young people who want to play in bands and maybe don’t have that opportunity,”

“During the first day we’ll have a group jam and everyone will get to know each other and have a bit of fun,” Grant said “As the week progresses, when then split up into bands and look at doing cover songs and their favourite band songs.”

Grant believes the future of Scotland’s young rock stars lies within YRock: “We see lots of great, great young people and musical talent; we’ve had some great songs written by some of the people.”

After the kids have performed at YRock they are then given the opportunity of playing a gig in Glasgow or Edinburgh to help enhance their skills and develop as a band.

Self-taught drummer Billy McMahon attends the rock school and has even started gigging around Edinburgh, which has helped him build on his confidence.

“I’ve been playing for about four years now and we’re starting to get gigs around Edinburgh, I started this opportunity to meet new people and start a new project,” Billy added. “It’s about confidence and getting your confidence up and developing that talent you’ve got already.”

Amy Ledger is a young talented singer-songwriter who wants to follow her dreams of having a career in music and really enjoys her time practicing.

“I would definitely recommend YRock School to anyone from 11 years up, if you’re a beginner or advanced; everyone just gets together and has so much fun.” Amy said.

Amy’s mother Gayle thinks YRock has really helped Amy focus on her music and develop her skills.

“The experience for Amy has been really good, as a musician she is developing not only her music skills but personally,” Gayle said.

YRock runs through all the major school holidays including Easter, the summer and the October week. The weeklong course costs £100 per week, to find out more visit,  YRock School