But these are no professionals, they are a handful of teenagers who have been given the chance to live the dream.

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It's all thanks to Rock School, a week-long course set in a psychedelic Leeds studio which has opened its doors for the summer.

There's no need for qualifications as anyone aged 11 to 16 can join in the jammin', recordin' and giggin' sessions.

Rock School sees the kids spend a week forming a band which then perform live on stage at Rios in Leeds on the following Saturday night.
Run from the Rock and Roll Circus studios, the venue is a rabbit warren of recording and jamming rooms, complete with dark lighting, drapes and incense sticks to create an authentic 1960s/70s vibe.

The rock wannabes are receiving tuition from the likes of drummer Isaac Heywood of trip hop outfit Nightmares on Wax.

As one of three course directors, Isaac is one of a stream of top artists teaching the kids.

Tutor Craig Pennington, 24, owner of The Rock and Roll Circus School, and manager of Dead Young Records, said: "There's loads of sports clubs running through the holidays but for kids who are into music there's nothing.

"Rock School was set up to get young people to write and play and give them something to do over the holidays and this is the first summer we have done it."

The course – the first of its kind in Yorkshire – launched in February half term and proved to be a huge success prompting further courses at Easter and in May.

The children are split into bands at the start of the week and then work with the professional tutors.

Craig said: "They learn how to play songs by their favourite bands, then we go onto song writing and then they do full professional recording at the end of the week.

"On the Saturday they play a gig for friends and family which is at Rios. It's a great experience for them."

A stream of local bands including the Sunshine Underground, regularly use the studios which are becoming more and more popular.

Craig added: "We've tried to create an inspiring place. Rather than the normal plain, clinical rooms we try and create an inspiring environment. For me that's more important than having an amp with three extra watts. It's more about the vibe."

Craig runs the courses with Isaac and Phil Murray.

* Places are available for courses starting on August 11 and August 25. * For details call the studio on (0113) 2319326 or go to: www.therockandrollcircus.co.uk