Inverness charity Rokzkool aims to create sense of community at Studio 58 in Eastgate Shopping Centre
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It's not only the intriguing window display which gives a clue that a former store is about to take on a very different lease of life at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness.
As curious shoppers peer beyond the hand-painted guitar depicting an iconic album cover – Abbey Road by The Beatles – they get a glimpse of an array of instruments including a baby grand piano, an upright piano, assorted drums, guitars and a double bass.
The grassroots charity, Rokzkool Academy, is preparing to take up residence in the unit previously occupied by women’s clothes shop Phase Eight near the food court.
Based in Inverness, it has lodged a planning application to change the use of the space with the aim of creating a community-based learning centre including volunteer-run music lessons for all ages and abilities, art and craft workshops and podcasting sessions – plus the chance for young people to gain employability skills.
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Entitled Studio 58, the project represents further expansion of the work carried out by its founders Rod Shannon and Kay Ewen who are irrepressible in their ideas and enthusiasm for the new venture.
The couple, who have raised five children, set up Rokzkool Academy several years ago to support young people and families in the Highlands.
As well as running music workshops and helping at events and galas, they expanded their role during the coronavirus pandemic to provide thousands of lifeline food and emergency packs from their base in Merkinch Hall.
They also found their support was needed more than ever among a broader age range amid the deepening cost-of-living crisis.
As they prepare for the new venture, they have been joined by former teacher Amy Sinclair who has taken on the role of development officer
If all goes to plan, they hope throw open the doors of Studio 58 in February and create a special space where people can share skills and volunteer.
Kay explained: "It will be a community-based learning centre. We would like people to come in and have a sense of belonging.
"It is here to help the community.
"It is about bringing all these skills together and enriching people's lives and life skills."
Although they are still waiting for Highland Council approve the change of use application, signs of activity at the unit are already piquing public curiosity.
"We have already had people coming in and ask about volunteering opportunities," Kay said. "People are really interested."
Glasgow-born Rod – described as resident musician who can turn his hand to many instruments – believes music offers opportunities to build confidence, find an outlet and make friends.
Outlining the four main areas in the unit – the reception area, a music corner with acoustic and electric instruments, an arts corner and a training area – he explained that the new venture aims to broaden the charity's previous work.
He hopes the baby grand piano can be rolled out for a few hours on Saturday for people to have a go, or that sessions can be arranged for the shopping centre staff.
An artist has already volunteered to run workshops and he would also like to see dedicated sessions to bring women together in the same way as Men's Shed activities.
"In the Merkinch area, we have been working with older ladies who are retired or who have dedicated their lives to being mothers and grannies," he said.
The activities could range from crafts to making podcasts but they are keen to find out what people want.
Amy said: "We are keen to get feedback from people and see what the community needs and then we can shape our services to suit them."
She became involved in the venture through her young son, Mackenzie, after he started going to Rokzkool sessions in Beauly.
"It's an amazing place," she said.
"My little boy looks forward to going every week. I enjoy it because he enjoys it.
"Kay and Rod are such fabulous people, They would anything for anyone."
"They have such big plans. I think anything is possible."
She continued: "We hope to make it a creative community hub so people have somewhere to go and we want to make it as inclusive as possible.
"We want to run as many events for people who cannot afford instrument lessons.
"There are so many young people who cannot afford the costs of ongoing lessons."
"It is about building people's skills and confidence and friendships."
Argyll Kerr (14) is one of those who has already gained skills as a volunteer, having helped at sessions during the school holidays.
"It was a blast," said Argyll who plays the piano. "I did cooking and I liked helping the kids with their art."
Argyll is now considering a future career in child care and music.
Likewise, Aaron Hewat (15), who plays electric guitar and drums, has enjoyed helping to teach children who have no previous experience of music as well as having the chance to do courses in food hygiene and mindfulness.
"It has helped me to build up my confidence," he said.
