Brum music foundation launches free workshops for wannabe rock stars

A Birmingham music foundation is launching free workshops for wannabe rock stars, to provide amateur musicians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in a rock concert.

Misfits Music Foundation is inviting music enthusiasts to join them in the Brum Rocks project, and participants don’t need any prior musical experience.

Amateur musicians and singers can participate in free workshops in Birmingham, ahead of performing in a special ticketed rock concert next summer.

How to get involved

The music foundation are running one-off ‘Brum Rocks’ workshops and events across Birmingham and the Black Country as a warm up for the big concert planned for Sunday 14 July 2024.

The workshops are free thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund People’s Project.

There are several ways budding rock stars can get involved:

• Sign up for a free Brum Rocks workshop – taking place at Northfield Arts Forum (31 Jan, 21 Feb, 6 & 20 March all sessions start 10am), Great Bridge Library in Tipton (24 Jan, 28 Feb all sessions start 7pm) and The Flapper in Birmingham (7 Feb, 13 March all sessions start at 7pm). With more dates and venues being added all the time.
• No musical experience is required – you don’t need to be a music expert or even be able to read sheet music, Misfits Music will provide song sheets with chords and lyrics. Attendees just need to bring their voice or instrument – anyone is welcome: singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist or any other instrument.
• Members of existing Choirs or Community Groups – knitting clubs, cycling groups, WI Groups, Social Groups and more – that fancy a one-off rock music workshop, can also contact the Brum Rocks team to invite a workshop leader along to their group meeting for a bespoke rock workshop, and be part of the concert in the summer. Now is the time to dust off those guitars and finally bring that shower singing to life.

Rob Jones, Artistic Director, Misfits Music Foundation said: “Whether you want to come along to one of our Brum Rocks workshops or want us to come along to your existing choir or group – whatever that might be – we will provide experienced, friendly instructors – and it really doesn’t matter how much or how little experience you might have.

“It’s your chance to be part of a once in a lifetime rock concert – we can’t wait for hundreds of budding rock stars to rock out next summer in Birmingham.”

Brum Rocks Live concert

The BRUM ROCKS LIVE! concert will take place at Forum Birmingham on Sunday 14 July 2024. Forum Birmingham has during its many lifetimes been host to Carter, PJ Harvey, Shed Seven, The Charlatans and Ian Brown, and is currently an events space championing groundbreaking music, live comedy, hosting a diverse range of club nights, a fitting venue for a rock concert like no other.

Tickets will go on sale soon – watch the Brum Rocks website for announcements – budding rock stars will then be able to book their tickets securing their place for the rock concert experience of the year – which will see them take centre stage – choosing to just turn up on the day or joining in some of the free workshops and online tutorials in advance. Ticket pricing will include a ‘pay what you can’ option.

Billy Chauhan, Forum Birmingham said: “Our venue has a long history of welcoming rock stars to Birmingham and so we are delighted to be hosting BRUM ROCKS LIVE! a one off concert this summer.

“As a purpose built music and events venue with a history that dates back to the 1960s we can’t wait to welcome hundreds of budding rock stars through our doors.”

Seasoned musicians and absolute beginners can all be part of Brum Rocks. No musical experience is required – just bring your voice and your instrument. To find out more and sign up to be involved, click here.