Learn how to be a rock star

YOUNG musicians on the Northern Rivers can get a taste of what it’s like to be a rock star at a series of music camps being run over the summer school holidays.

Owner/director of Maca Music Camps, Matthew Taylor said the camps are very popular, offering kids a chance to learn the fundamentals of music, as well as have some fun.

“Music should be fun for everyone, no experience is necessary,” Taylor said.

The day-long sessions group people according to age and skill level, teaching them two songs to perform together at the end of the day.

Taylor began his career as a primary school teacher, branching into teaching music after achieving a music degree. After a stint teaching at Sydney’s School of Rock, he moved with wife Sarah to the Northern Rivers.

He teaches music lessons from his base in Tregeagle throughout the year but sees the music camps as an invaluable way to bring together like-minded people.

“It’s about learning to collaborate with others, working together in a low-pressure environment. It encourages people to talk and get to know each other,” he said.

As well as being encouraged to try different instruments, the students will also learn skills in how to produce a music video.

The day is also broken up with games and physical activities to help students connect.

There are two camps at Rous Public School, on Tuesday, January 14, and Wednesday, January 15. The focus band for these sessions is The Pixies.

Two more camps will be held at Cape Byron Steiner School on Tuesday, January 22, and Wednesday, January 23, focusing on music by Imagine Dragons.

Maca Music Camps is a Creative Kids provider that accepts Active Kids vouchers.