ONE of the most popular and long-running music-making activities in the Tolbooth’s 16-year history, Pump Up The Jam, is opening its doors to younger budding musicians.

It is doing so in a bid to train up and inspire the next generation of songwriters.

For those normally too young to attend (the regular term-time PUTJ workshop is for ages 11+), and for those who are at the very early stages of learning an instrument or singing, this is an ideal opportunity to get that boost you need to be ready to join in.

The songwriting and band workshop has itself run for 15 years now.

The term-time free-to-attend workshop takes a group of 24 young musicians of all styles, and forms four indie/rock/pop/folk/alternative bands.

Led by one of the four professional musician mentors who tutor on the programme, each band writes, rehearses and records a small set of brand new original songs, which are then performed in a full live show in the Tolbooth’s Auditorium – all in eight weeks.

Lead tutor Davie Scott – of bands The Pearlfishers and BMX Bandits amongst others – estimates that since the project began in 2002, around 400-500 original songs have been written.

Kenny Bates, music development officer at the Tolbooth, said: “Pump Up The Jam is one of the great success stories of the venue, its longevity showing its popularity and the significant impact it has made on young musicians lives.

“Many having come through the programme have gone on to pursue their writing as fully fledged artists in their own right, gaining national and international airplay, signing to indie labels, touring across the UK and Europe, and playing some of the biggest festivals and venues in the country.

“The entry requirements normally stipulate that you must be 11 years and over, and have a strong grasp of the basics of your instrument or voice.

“The purpose of this special summer session is to build towards that strong grasp, and to give you a taste of songwriting at a younger age, so that you’re ready to join in ASAP.”

Pump Up The Jam summer session: July 31-August 1, 11am-3.30pm each day, ages nine-13, £20.

Pump Up The Jam summer session takes place as of the wider Tolbooth Summer Workshops programme, from July 17 through to August 15.

Classes cover a range of appropriate age ranges between seven and 21 years, and include activities such as animation, coding, music making, art and crafts, studio recording, robotics and photography.

A full list of the activities, timings, information and booking is available from the Culture Stirling’s Creative Learning webpage here.

Spaces are limited so early booking is highly recommended.

Call box office on 01786 274 000 or book up via the Tolbooth website.