WANNABE rock gods and pop princesses will learn lessons in the tricks of the trade if a new school starts in September.

Music teacher Debra Gallimore, of Queens Drive, hopes to open a rock and pop school in Middlewich for children aged seven and over to develop modern musical skills.

The 40-year-old currently runs Fingertip Music and has taught children to play a variety of musical instruments, including piano, saxophone, clarinet and flute, since 2001 but is hoping to branch out into rock and pop styles after speaking to children about what they want.

She said: "When I take on new pupils I always say to them 'what sort of music would you like to learn to play?' and they say 'anything as long as it's not classical' so that's how I got into more modern music and I'm finding the children are really enjoying it."

She added: "I'm still keeping the classical teaching there and putting children through exams but even the examining boards are getting more contemporary."

Debra aims to hold one session a week where a group of young musicians work in pairs and eventually put on performances.

She also hopes to organise sessions just for teenagers in the future in a bid to give them more to do in the town.

Debra said: "Teenagers could get involved as well and learn about using microphones, singing, drums, guitar and keyboards.

"I'd like to do something on a Friday night because of the problems associated with kids at the moment - this would give them something to do."

Anyone interested in joining the school or anyone who could help with tutoring should ring Debra on 01606 836641.