FOR those with dreams of becoming a rock star, no matter the age, there is now a chance to live out the fantasy.

Aaron Iley is bringing the popular Rock Project to Witney, Headington, Abingdon and Kidlington, with classes for both children and adults.

The main two-hour weekly sessions focus on students learning popular songs, from Bruno Mars to ACDC, either on the guitar, drums, keyboard or bass, with tutorial time given by professional musicians, all recruited locally.

Members then come together at the end of the class to play live, working towards performing on stage in a show-stopping concert in front of family and friends in the summer.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Iley, 24, who has performed with several bands including electronic rock group InAir, jazz pop collective Khamsina and formerly pop rockers Echoic, has worked for the Rock Project Berkshire for the past two years as a guitar tutor.

He said he was drawn to the company because of its unique way of teaching music, explaining: "When I was young and learning guitar my teacher kept showing me a G chord which I struggled with. I couldn't understand why I was playing the same chord over and over and couldn't understand it without context.

"With the Rock Project you can see the chords in context of playing with your friends. Music is about sharing energy and you understand that by playing a chord you are helping your friends and making an amazing sound together. That's really empowering."

The musician has played with bands since he was at school but decided to study law at Portsmouth University.

Once he had a taste of teaching music though, he knew that was the path he wanted to follow and said: "I took on a job with the Rock Project Berkshire to make some money after university, but after just one session I fell in love with teaching children music."

Now he will open his own Rock Project franchise on Monday.

Visit oxford@therockproject.com