HOW IT WORKS
TRY-OUT - Free. Work out what you would like to play/sing and with whom your age and technical ability will work. We can hook you up with other like-minded muso's.
STAGE 1 - Group Dynamics. Meet your band members, learn to play/sing the bands songs, start preparing for your first live event, by rehearing in our studio for an hour per week. You need to practice at home in-between sessions.
STAGE 2 - ON stage! (Already!) Our bands gig several times a term in music venues or at festivals along side other established bands
STAGE 3 - Group Development. Keep on growing your band, improving your playing skills, writing and recording songs.
Be in a band, write songs, gig in real music venues. Music is a wonderful way to engage young people. Being in a band enhances life skills such as teamwork, expression, responsibility, self-evaluation and develops confidence.
Queens Road Studio is a great way to start playing, performing and making friends in a welcoming, fun, encouraging, creative and safe environment. Getting young people out of their rooms and into a like-minded social situation.
Weekly rehearsing in your band for an hour, write together, rehearse, gig, record. Queens Road Studio is based in Bury St. Edmunds.
RECORD LABEL
QRS Records has been created initially to distribute the Queens Road Studio bands original songs. Tracks are recorded and mixed in The QRS studio and released under our record label QRS Records.
So why did Linzi and White start Queens Road Studio?
White - “One of our reasons for starting QRS was because I remember, when I was a child, wanting desperately to be in a band. My one ambition was to be a rock star, but I struggled to find other like-minded young people. I had to wait until I was 14. When I formed Burys first original Alternative Rock band, Dead Vogue, in the 80’s to start with, we had to borrow our instruments.” After ten years of UK gigging the band split. Then White founded the very successful 1970s Glam Rock band the ‘Glambusters’ was born, touring internationally for 15 years. White then helped form the band Metropolis, writing original songs and performing continuously for four years around the UK. Now White gigs worldwide with 1980’s post-punk band 13th Chime, previously with punk band Chron Gen.
Linzi has been teaching in colleges and Universities for over 20 years and is currently teaching film-making, animation, Journalism and Broadcast to 16 - 19 year olds. Regarding Queens Road Studio Linzi says “I love the fact we can give these young people the opportunity to meet other like-minded young people and a lovely studio space to rehearse, write and practice in. We provide guidance on song writing, playing techniques and stage presence.” She has become very aware that school life is not always a good place for young people, where success is often gauged by academic capabilities and sport only.
“I have always worked in the arts and have also trained in Creative Therapy. I am passionate about the arts engaging young people and creativity enhancing life skills that other subjects just do not provide. QRS is an environment for the members of our bands to reinvent themselves away from school. They have to take responsibility for their role in the band, listening and accommodating each other and practicing regularly. It is so exciting to see them work together and knowing when they go home, they are playing guitars or drums rather than playing on electronic devices. Seeing nervous young people confidently performing the songs they have written, at Festivals, fayres and reputable music venues is extremely rewarding. After gigs we receive amazing comments from other bands, tech, crew and the audiences saying how professional the Queens Road Studio bands are and requests to join our Facebook page increase two-fold.”
“The feedback from all the parents has been phenomenal and overwhelming. We have been told that we have changed lives, attitudes, confidence levels and even bought families together. When we do gigs and festivals we are one big QRS family – it is really special!
After playing at The Portland Arms in Cambridge, Richard Rosey from Relevant Records said “Thanks for bringing your brilliant bands over, very much appreciated. They are all so accomplished and professional and talented, even more so than last time. A real credit to you and themselves."
Rehearsal sessions are facilitated by advanced DBS checked QRS tutors with 30 years experience in the music industry & teaching/mentoring young people. Tutor grade outstanding by OFSTED 100%. Trained in creative & art therapy, music can be used to support young people to deal with any issues.
TESTIMONIALS
"Linzi and White have got so much right with Queens Road Studios - great advice from a seasoned musician , a real proactive approach to promoting the bands and getting them gigs but most of all creating a relaxed, fun and nurturing space where young people can gain confidence, explore their creativity and lead their own bands outside of a school environment."
"Queens Road Studio has made our son Morgan into a confident young man. Writing music with his band mates has been a fantastic achievement, especially with Linzi and White mentoring the band. Being in a band makes good team work and more importantly keeps them off their phones!! "
"My son is studying GCSE music, being part of QRS has supported his studies, as he’s no longer learning an instrument in isolation, but is working in a team to create music. His drumming tutor has said that his playing has improved by being part of the band too. Linzi and White have been extremely supportive, since he joined the band and have helped teach him new skills, whilst creating a fun environment to do so. QRS is a highlight of my sons week."
"Queens Road Studio is a fun, friendly and dynamic team. Linzi and White are absolute stars. They perfectly balance encouragement through rehearsals and gigging with fun by creating a family vibe. All bands encourage and support each other, it's great to be a part of."
"Through Queens Road Studio, my son has not only developed his skill set but has grown hugely in confidence. I can't recommend it more highly. "
"My daughter is in Queen Dogs She enjoys it so very much. She has grown in her confidence as a performer and the confidence spills into other areas of her life. Linzi and White put so much into the rehearsals. Choosing really exciting and challenging songs. The gigs that Queen Dogs have played have been fantastic from festivals, professional music venues to entertaining the crowds at the Christmas market. Its just wonderful - we love being part of the Queens Road Studio."
"Both of our daughters are in bands with QRS. Not only have they become more accomplished musicians, confident performers but they can now compose songs (our youngest is 11 yrs old). The impact on QRS has been huge on both of our girls and has also pulled our whole family together"
Queens Road Studio has made our son Morgan into a confident young man. Writing music with his band mates has been a fantastic achievement, especially with Linzi and White mentoring the band. Being in a band makes good team work and more importantly keeps them off their phones!! Clare and Barry Bridges
Queens Road Studio is a fun, friendly and dynamic team. Linzi and White perfectly balance encouragement through rehearsals and gigging with fun by creating a family vibe. All bands encourage and support each other, it's great to be a part of.