Eight Alternative School students learned to create and record their own music at home at this year's Sunshine Coast Alternative School Music Camp.
The camp is in its second year, featuring mentoring and skills development with local musician Steve Wright.
Last year students wrote their own songs and recorded them in Wright's studio during the four-day camp. This year the students learned how to record and manipulate sounds on their home computers after learning the basics of percussion and timing.
"Last year a lot of the students already knew how to play instruments, and many of them were talented musically. This year we wanted to open it up to more students and invite those who were not able to play an instrument," said Kaia Neilsen, fine arts teacher at the Alternative School.
Most of the eight students who took part this year had never played an instrument, but Neilsen said they learned about beats and how to play percussion.
The camp then evolved into learning about computer recording and manipulation when the students showed interest in the technique.
"It evolved into what the students wanted, and in the end they produced a radio play, recording over 80 tracks of their own," said Neilsen.
The radio play will be broadcast to students during their yearly Alternative School Art Show later this year.
"Our art show is an event where all the students get together and perform for one another or show their pieces," Neilsen said.
She said the most recent music camp was a great success for all involved and she plans to organize another one for next year.
