BUDDING young musicians are being invited to come along to the opening of a new branch of Clive s Easylearn Pop Music School. Saffron Walden-based musician, former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton, who played on the first Iron Maiden album, will be p

BUDDING young musicians are being invited to come along to the opening of a new branch of Clive's Easylearn Pop Music School.

Saffron Walden-based musician, former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton, who played on the first Iron Maiden album, will be present to open the school in Hertford. He will sign autographs and give advice to budding rock stars.

Dennis is still a touring musician and plays with other heavy metal acts such as Lion Heart and Praying Mantis.

The pop school is owned and operated as a franchise by Simon Baker and Andy Wilson, who have already opened successful schools in Bishop's Stortford, Saffron Walden and Sawbridgeworth.

Network director Clive Brooks said: "We've done away with boring theory and made music-making simple, fun and direct. Our courses are unique.

"Tutors love them because they're easy to teach, and students love them because they're easy to understand."

The pop school will be opened on October 8 at 5pm, and will include a free 15-minute taster lesson.

It will be held at the Hornsmill Community Centre, 115e Cecil Road every Thursday evening and teaches young people from age seven how to play electric guitar, drums, keyboards and bass guitar.

The weekly sessions also give students the chance to play together in pop and rock bands from the very first lesson.

Simon Baker is a professional musician and music promoter. He said: "This is a fantastic way for kids to learn how to play and make that crucial connection between playing an instrument and transferring those skills to playing in a band with other people. We want to bring that creativity to the young generation of the town with this exciting new concept."

Free trial lessons are available now by calling 07941 670575 or booking online through clivesmusic.com. You can also email Simon and Andy direct at hertford@clivesmusic.com