Telford College welcomed 19 talented students from across Shropshire to their music studios for a songwriting holiday project in partnership with the Shropshire Music Service.

The four-day ‘Change Tracks’ music workshop started at the Shropshire Music Service centre in Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury. The first songwriting sessions gave students aged between 11 and 18 years-old a masterclass with Brit Award winner Kris Halpin.

They then spent the last two days at Telford College’s music department, utilising the college’s state of the art music studios to record, compile and mix their pieces professionally.

Telford College’s music lecturers were on hand to help record the pupil’s compositions, with Telford College student Rowan Lewis on hand to help record, gaining valuable work experience as a sound engineer.

Andy Turner, Director of Vocational Education at Telford College, said: “We’ve had all three of our professional recording studios up and running for them to use. We’ve recorded percussion, vocals, guitars and so many more instruments – the one composition even has a cool recorder solo in it!”

“The work they’ve produced is incredible. We’re big champions of original music here at Telford College and we encourage our own students to record and release original songs. Some of them have had tracks featured on BBC Introducing and then get uploaded to Spotify, we’re always looking to produce the next big thing, such as Nieve Ella and Casper Badke.

“The students have really enjoyed themselves over the past two days here and hopefully we will see some of them in the future on our programmes or visiting on open events.”

Sarah Browne, head of the Shropshire Music Service said: “This project has been funded by the Youth Music scheme and is open for students from all over Shropshire to be introduced to songwriting and music production.”

“We asked Andy to help us record our pieces in the impressive studios here and he agreed to help record our pupil’s original compositions. It is so important for them to visit an industry standard facility such as this to help them progress and pursue a career in music.”

“We work in 98% of all schools across Shropshire, delivering music curriculum and running ensembles for free to all students. In the past few years, our numbers at the ensembles have tripled so it shows music practice is vital to the children of Shropshire.”

Vocalist Tilda, a student at Lakeside school, Oswestry, said: “I think the weeks gone really well. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the workshop and I’m excited to work in and visit a professional studio like the ones here.”