SUMMER YOUTH CLUB AT STAYFREE MUSIC
FAQs
What are the aims of Rock4Real Youth Club?
The club is an opportunity for young people who would like to play in bands and meet others with the same interests. We want to give 10-17 year olds who play instruments a chance to socialise, but also to have a space to create music with their new friends. Participants learn about interpersonal, performance and songwriting skills that help new bands, but they’re also free to use Stayfree Music’s rehearsal rooms and equipment to pursue their own ideas or tackle the music challenges each week. Rock4Real works with Stayfree to support new bands in the early stages with advice and showcases at local venues.
How many people can go to Youth Club?
To begin with, there are just 24 places for young people, using 5 rehearsal rooms as well as the main teaching room. Our aim is to attract a diverse group of interesting young people from all over Leicester and Leicestershire, who all love music. At the start, we’ll have to get to know each other but the contacts and friendships made this summer should be fun and lasting. We place a big emphasis on supporting and encouraging each other and developing our listening skills. We’ll try to get a balance of instruments so that different group combinations are possible, and will operate a waiting list if necessary. However, the first week is just a drop in session where young people – with parents/carers – can come and have a look and chat about Youth Club and music activities over the summer.
What do you get for the £20 weekly fee?
To help participants with musical experiences, Rock4Real provides:
- Fully equipped band rehearsal rooms – extra instruments available if needed;
- One hour input each week 7 – 8pm – group skills, songwriting and promotion;
- Mentoring and coaching as needed by groups and individuals;
- Showcase for family and friends and possible future performances.
To encourage new friendships and socialising, Rock4Real provides:
- Opportunity to meet other musicians in a safe environment;
- Structure and supervision appropriate for age group;
- Experienced staff and leader with enhanced DBS;
- Inclusive and supportive group that encourages girls, challenges racism and bullying;
- Snacks and soft drinks on sale;
- A fun and interesting start to summer 2022!
Who are the staff?
Ruth Miller
The course leader – Ruth Miller – has over 20 years experience teaching in schools and is a well-respected songwriter, musician, band mentor and inclusive guitar teacher. Her positive attitude and clear demonstration of how to create music collaboratively led to her winning a 2022 East Midlands Business Award – Advocate for Women – with her band The Verinos. On our open day in May, Ruth led band workshops that attracted children under 5 and ladies in their 70s – and all had a great time!
Caroline Wright
Stayfree Director Caroline Wright runs the day to day business of the music rehearsal rooms and will provide technical support, music business knowledge and will handle the bookings and emails.
Stayfree staff are young musicians currently active in the Leicester band scene. They’re happy to chat, give advice and join in with playing if you need an extra person.
How do you book a place?
A parent/carer will need to register a young person for Youth Club, giving contact details. There are three separate Friday Youth Club nights in July (8th, 15th, 22nd), and if successful it will continue in August. For the first night, we ask that you register interest and then we will contact you. After that, we hope to set up online booking and payment. When you book, you’ll need to give the participant’s name, age and previous experience, as well as any health factors or other concerns we need to know about. We know that the specialist interest in music and guided activity will quickly engage participants even those who are less confident at socialising or playing an instrument.
Are parents/carers allowed to attend?
The aim of Rock4Real Youth Club is to provide a supportive environment where young people can develop their skills, knowledge and personality away from parents/carers, so we don’t allow accompanying adults, but can set up a preview and taster session if you need to view the facilities and talk with staff before registering. There may be an invitation to watch a showcase at the end of the summer.
What are the rules?
Stayfree Music is a professional music space and those attending Rock4Real Youth Club need to follow some basic rules in order for the project to be a success. The building has CCTV so that we can monitor activity, and we take action against criminal or anti-social behaviour. There is the possibility of running the club again in August and beyond if it’s popular.
Take care and be sensible with the equipment and instruments. Respect noise levels and let staff know if anything isn’t working, or an accident occurs.
If you bring your own instrument, keep it with you, or ask someone to look after it. We don’t recommend bringing very expensive guitars unless you have full insurance.
The uneven surfaces and narrow stairs at Stayfree mean that it’s not safe to run around; please walk.
Communication is key. Please talk to the club leader, or another member of staff if you have any music ideas, wishes, worries or problems. We can deal with anything!
Only take photos/videos if everyone gives their permission; think carefully if posting anything on social media.
Alcohol, smoking products or drugs are not allowed. Anyone intoxicated or bringing these items will be immediately banned and parents/carers informed.
Please speak respectfully – give everyone a chance, listen better, allow personal space and try to learn from others. Music isn’t a competition; it’s a social art.
Our aim is to provide band opportunities where everyone plays their preferred instrument and Rock4Real will try to attract equal numbers for the different roles. Occasionally, participants may need to swap or share roles, but this would be managed fairly.
Can young people hire rehearsal rooms at other times over the summer?
Yes! Obviously the sessions are not supervised as they are at Youth Club, but we have great low prices, particularly for day time hire. Sometimes a whole family plays together to make a band, or a group of young teenegers comes down to play. Younger children may need some level of support and a nearby adult. We can help with set up, and, if a parent/carer wanted to relax in our lounge area with a coffee whilst a group of 11-year olds did band practice, that would be fine. Prices start from £6.50 an hour for the smallest room, which makes it a really affordable summer activity option!
Youth Club Dates
£20 per session
Friday July 8th
Friday July 15th
Friday July 22nd
August dates TBC
You can book week by week
or for the whole month
Places are limited to 24, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
How to find us
We are on the A50 just next to Lock 42 on the Grand Union Canal. Our entrance is at the back of the building.
There is a yard for parking. Its informal but please avoid parking in front of our neighbours shutters as they do require 24 hours access. If you are unsure where to park the receptionist will be able to tell you.
If you put our post code into SatNavs, it often takes you to Slater Street – which is opposite. We recommend using Google Maps and searching for directions to ‘Stayfree Music’
If you are having an difficulty finding us, please call us and the receptionist can give you directions and guide you in.