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27 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Rocksessions gives kids a chance at the real thing Do your kids need to have latest `Rockband' or `Guitar Hero' video game? If so, why not let them try the real thing. For the past four years, professional musician and bandleader Phil Kane has been running `Rocksessions,' where kids come together to play in their own rock band. In Rocksessions, kids are put into level specific bands, each playing their own role ­ guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals. Kids will not be expected to learn famous songs from past generations; instead they will be writing and recording their own songs. "If you make your own songs you can really rock them," Phil says. "You have a certain ownership over them that you don't have with prerecorded music." The new fall session will run throughout the school year, with appropriately timed performances in December and June where family and friends can experience their music at Oakville's Moonshine Café. During the summer months, Phil teaches interested students about the technical aspects of digital recording. After each year, each band's original music is recorded and put onto iTunes. "Once they hear recordings of their own ideas, their enthusiasm goes way up," he says of the experience of hearing their own music. "The students really start to blossom after having one or two songs under their belt." In addition to the rock band classes, Rocksessions also offers guitar lessons for all styles and levels. Lessons are tailored to the learning style and goals of the individual student, with an emphasis on fun and fundamentals. Phil is extremely passionate about music and it shows through his very active personal music career, which he has been doing since 1974. During his years as a professional musician, Phil has had the opportunity to play along side the likes of Jackie Washington, Jeff Healey and Michael Buble. His experience working with different musicians has also helped him with running Rocksessions. "It's important to pass on what you know to others in person, and for me it is by playing music together." For more information on Rocksessions and the upcoming session contact Phil Kane via email at rocksessions@cogeco.ca, phone 905-4847331 or visit www.rocksessions.ca. kids new to oakville! b a l l r o o m Youthful, vibrant environment. No partner required. Let them enjoy the dance discovery of latin & ballroom and give them the social edge - poise, grace, confidence in any situation. REGISTER NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED. 905-849-0008 blueheel dance studio | 284 church street | www.blueheel.ca