AN academy for young bands and singers will be held by the Coda Music Trust this summer.

The trust, based in Highcliffe, is running the five day course to encourage young people into music, helping them develop songwriting skills and learn to work with other musicians in a band.

The course will also work to build their confidence both at singing and playing musical instruments and performing in public.

"We are really excited about the Rock and Pop Academy this year," said trust chief executive Phil Hallett.

"The young people who attend are always so talented and enthusiastic. It is a lot of fun and we all learn a lot and the end of week gig is always a highlight.

"It is a fantastic and fun way for youngsters to work on their musical and performance skills."

Based on a former Victorian farm, Coda has recently redeveloped its buildings - including a former piggery - in response to an increase in the demand for its tuition and music therapy services.

The Summer Rock and Pop Academy will take place on the charity's newly developed site, which includes a suite of practice rooms, studios and music technology tutoring equipment.

The new facilities were built at a cost of around £130,000 raised through donations and events.

The academy week culminates in a public performance at Forest Arts Centre on Friday, July 31, where students will be able to perform their material and showcase skills learned over the course of the week in front of family and friends.

The course will be run by two professional musicians - experienced guitar tutor Paul Jenkinson and vocal tutor and singer-songwriter Hayley Bolter.

The Academy runs from 9am to 4pm each day from Monday, July 27, to Friday, July 31, with a discount for entrants if booked by June 1.

Established in 1996, the trust aims to enable music making for all ages and sectors of the community from pre-school to retirement age and beyond.

For more information or to book visit www.coda.org.uk or contact the trust on 01425 276161.