AN ECLECTIC line-up of world renowned musicians will be giving students the X-factor.
Starting on March 14, artists will be visiting the University of Chester to run master classes and workshops for undergraduates studying for the popular music degree.
There will also be performances open to the general public.
Artists taking part in the event include Kasabian drummer Ian Matthews, vocal coach Louise Ryan who has nurtured young Welsh talent including Charlotte Church and Lucie Jones, concert pianist Marie-Louise Taylor and head of guitar at London’s Guitar-X music school, John Wheatcroft.
Students will take part in workshops on technical and performance related aspects of their principal study instrument including voice, drum kit, piano and guitar.
Some students will also have the opportunity to perform with the artists, demonstrating the work that they have prepared.
David Bebbington, senior lecturer and programme leader, said: “This is an invaluable experience for our students.
“The expertise of the guest artists and their engagement with the music business will benefit students, not only in a practical sense, but also in terms of the advice available.”
Although the primary aim of the events are for the benefit of students, two of the events are open to the general public.
A piano recital by Marie-Louise Taylor is on Wednesday, March 16, and an electric guitar performance by John Wheatcroft, with a four-piece supporting band, is on Saturday, March 19.
Tickets for the performances are priced at £5 and can be purchased from Wendy Miller on 01244 515860 or email wendy.miller@chester.ac.uk.
Further details about the performances and the popular music programmes are available from David Bebbington on 01244 515734 or email d.bebbington@chester.ac.uk.
