Young Wakatipu musicians are being offered career tips from music industry professionals in a new series of workshops beginning on Wednesday.
Singer-songwriter, producer and recording artist Andrea Cruickshank and veteran entertainer Margaret O'Hanlon are the tutors in the first workshop, titled "Getting Started".
The free session will be held at X-it Youth Centre, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The tutors will explain the practicalities of forming a band, genre choice and the need for commitment, reliability and compatibility.
The second session, called "The Nuts and Bolts", will reveal what it takes to be a working band and the responsibilities involved.
In term two, there would be an eight-session music industry course covering everything from performance, songwriting and radio, to record deals and studio recording, X-it youth worker Fi Sawers said.
The new initiative has been developed by X-it, RockFormation and the high school's music department, since December.
The workshops were prompted by the talent displayed at the Ultimate Battle of the Musos, Big Break and SmokeFree Rockquest competitions and at Winter Festival's Mardi Gras.
The introductory workshops are free, then the remaining eight will cost $80 per person.
A free practice night for musical acts will be held at X-it on Friday, March 19.
The Stanley St youth centre, for people aged between 12 and 24, is open Monday to Fridays, from 3.30pm to 6pm.
