A MUSIC teacher from Hartlebury is aiming to convert a van into a mobile recording and music production studio to visit schools and colleges in more deprived areas and provide free lessons.

Steve Carrigan wants to raise £50,000 to pursue a dream to enable talented youngsters to record music to a high standard without having to worry about the cost of studio time.

Mr Carrigan, who owns Load Street Studios in Bewdley, a musical hub providing tuition with professional recording equipment, said: “The one and only day we were able to record (due to the pandemic) this year, we recorded a talented young year six lad with his dad and we just released his video, and we do that quite often, for free, and then that sparked the idea of providing an opportunity for more talented youngsters.

“The idea is it will be completely not for profit and we will rely on donations, and if we were going into a school we would suggest to that school that if the children are are going to use the studio then perhaps there could be a £2 donation.”

The professional musician and teacher has set up a crowdfunding page in the hopes of raising £50,000 to begin the venture.

He said: "I began my career as a music teacher, teaching piano, vocals, guitar and the trumpet. I opened my own music school in Kidderminster in 2002, and that went from strength to strength.

“I was there for about 12 years before I met a friend who owned his own studio and then we formed the Street Studios in Bewdley.

“I’m going to be in touch wit the arts council in the hope we can achieve a grant from them to help.”

He said he will bring the mobile studio to schools in Worcester as well as the wider county. The aim will be to bring the studio to schools and colleges in deprived areas as well as anywhere there is talent that might not be able to afford studio time.

Mr Carrigan, who lives in Hartlebury, added: “I’ve always been a great believer in everyone having an opportunity to be creative and this is my dream.

"I’m going to need help fundraising, as well as volunteers who have experience in sound engineering.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steve-carrigan