PICTURES: New music academy opens in Shoreham

The Sussex Academy of Music (SAM) has been set up by two former King's Manor Community College pupils, Ben Stringer and Rob Biss.

After a joint investment of nearly 100,000 over the past eight months, Rob and Ben have opened the doors to SAM at the Riverside Business Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham.

"It's just really exciting," said Rob.

Sussex Downs College

The academy includes a live room, practice rooms for all the major instrument groups and top-of-the-range sound equipment.

It has been decorated with murals designed and painted by students from Sussex Downs College, Lewes.

Each mural reflects a different genre of music, from rock to reggae.

Alie Mackintosh, from Sussex Downs College, painted two of the murals.

She said: "I love how it's set up and it looks so good with all the kit in the rooms."

Music lessons

Ian Lowrie, chief executive of Adur and Worthing district and borough councils, officially opened SAM on Thursday.

He said: "Two young men came to sit in the public gallery at a council meeting a few months ago and, when it came to public question time, they stood up and started talking about this project.

"It was one of the most creative and entrepernerial moments of my local government career.

"In the current climate, it's so important for new businesses to start and for young people to take the opportunities they have."

King's Manor

Rob and Ben grew up in Shoreham and were pupils at King's Manor Community College before studying music.

"We're really born-and-bred Shorehamers," said 24-year-old Ben.

Rob and Ben, both professional musicians, want people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in music.

"Unlike some other music schools, SAM will encourage everyone to get involved, not just children," said 22-year-old Rob.

"We both had the same ideas from working in schools and colleges and we knew that Shoreham really needed somewhere like this."

Girls Aloud

The academy will be offering lessons in anything, from guitar and body percussion to the harmonica.

Tutors include Alex Pick, backing vocalist with Girls Aloud, and Madness sax player Steve Turner, who has also worked with Oasis, Franz Ferdinand and Jools Holland.

Ben and Rob are also working on Enterprise Business Days and the Quick Start Music Scheme at local schools.

"We believe that by working closely with local organisations, our skills in music can help to make a difference in the local community," said Ben.

For more information got to www.sussexmusic.com

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