The Rock Project at Nower Hill High School sees professional musicians running weekly sessions to help young singers and band musicians build their skills.  
Aimed at 7-18 year-olds, the two-hour classes teaches young people how to play guitar, bass, drums or vocals before playing together as a band. It’s this combination that helps young people develop confidence as well as skills according to the Pinner’s school’s founder Pritpal Chitroda.  
“The fact that they play together and in front of their peers, while learning from working musicians seems to have a real impact on their self-confidence,” Pritpal said.  
“Watching students at our sister school, I have seen their self-esteem grow week by week and that’s incredibly rewarding.”  
One of those who has benefitted from the growth in confidence is 10-year-old Ben Drussel. Ben, a pupil at Lady Bankes Junior School in Ruislip, has been learning how to play the cello but was too shy to appear at his school’s annual concert.   
His mother Leanne explained that now the schoolboy, who joined the Rock Project in Uxbridge in September, is learning guitar and can’t wait to get on stage and perform in the summer concert as part of a band. 
“Ben is absolutely raving about the Rock Project and loves every single minute of it. I can’t believe how he’s developing and growing in confidence,” Leanne said.  
“Not only is he learning to play the guitar, but he’s making new friends and really looking forward to their first concert together.” 
The two schools are part of a larger network that includes 39 Rock Projects across the UK.  
The weekly sessions are split into two age groups, with juniors aged 7-11 and seniors aged 11-18.
 
Glasgow-born Pritpal added: “As a mother I know how music and the ability to play an instrument or to sing builds confidence in young people like it is for Ben.
 
“The Rock Project stimulates the imagination and creativity of young people. It helps them develop not only their musical abilities but also their personalities.”
 
Rock Project takes place every Wednesday at Nower Hill High School, Pinner. The junior session runs from 4.15pm to 6.15pm and seniors takes place at 6.30pm to 8.30pm. All of the instruments are supplied.
 
For further details visit www.therockproject.com. To contact Pritpal, email her at uxbridge@therockproject.com or contact 07855863058.