ROCK legend Peter Gabriel is backing a fame school which aims to give youngsters the chance to record in his north Wiltshire studios.

Planned for launch later this year, Real Academy will use the star's Real World Studios in Box to teach budding artists across the south west vital skills to survive the tough music industry.

Organisers hope key figures such as Gabriel and music supremos behind glam rockers The Darkness can pass on their experience to schoolchildren and unsigned bands.

The project also aims to give disabled and disadvantaged people an equal chance of success.

Educational director Roger Bolton, of Box, said: "Real Academy has been set up to offer bands and producers the industry development needed in the present day and future of the music industry.

"I've been fascinated with the Pop Idol and Fame Academy phenomenon. It has exposed the music industry for what it actually is constructed and manufactured.

"That in itself is not a bad thing because it gives the general public a window of opportunity.

"Real Academy provides a unique opportunity for top-level music industry professionals to be paid for giving something back to the new aspiring generation by imparting their knowledge and experience.

"We are offering flexible short courses that can be fitted in and around busy schedules to facilitate mentoring a wider range of musicians, sound engineers and tour support crew than any other organisation in the UK."

Artistic director Greg Brooker, through Glass House Music Bath and Glass Tone Productions, also based in the city, will launch Real Academy summer schools over the last two weeks in August and the courses are open to bands aged 14 to 28.

Subjects covered include studio and production training, recording, marketing and promotion and talks from key industry moguls.

Mr Bolton, who has worked on albums with former Genesis frontman Gabriel and Malcolm McLaren and wrote the theme music to BBC programme 999, hopes Real World Studios will be available during music industry lulls in January and February.

He said: "Traditionally at this time of year recording studios are not booked so it will be an ideal time for people to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and experience what a real studio is like."

Mr Bolton said bands will be able to showcase their new skills at music venues such as Moles Club in Bath and any money raised will be ploughed back into the academy.

He also wants students to return to the school and pass on their experiences to new musicians.

As part of a sideline project, Mr Bolton aims to use concert funds to help fight the Aids epidemic in Uganda.

Box Parish Council chairman Valerie Richardson welcomed news of the project.

She said: "Anything which involves youth in a positive way one can only welcome."

For an application form text Real Academy to 07973 730161 or email info@glasshousemusic.co.uk