Budding rock stars can swap their air guitars, hopeful concert pianists can grasp the finer points of a keyboard and jazz fans can learn to blow up a storm on a sax.

The Technics Music Academy is a powerhouse of instruments and top teachers willing to instruct anyone from the age of four to 84 years by private or group lessons at Holmes Music in Swindon.

The Holmes promise is that the teachers will have you playing in weeks.

The Senior Adult Course is designed for senior citizens who have always wanted to play but never got around to it.

Classes are held on most afternoons or early eve-ings. The fee is £8 per lesson.

At the other end of the scale is the Junior Pro-gramme which encourages youngsters to take examinations to gain grades in music but most important is having fun.

"We know how important it is for pupils to enjoy taking lessons and to look forward to coming to their classes,'' said John Holmes, from Hol-mes Music.

Students are also encouraged to take part in the annual Technics Music Festival.

Each year one of the musicians is selected to go forward to represent the Holmes Academy in the Semi Finals of the national competition.

The winners then go on to the National Area Finals and winners from these go through to the National Final

Holmes Music started in Swindon in 1964 and was one of the pioneers in introducing the electronic keyboard into the home.

There are three departments: The Keyboard Centre and Rock Centre which deals with all musical instruments and accessories.

The Music Learning Centre provides tuition in guitar, drums, keyboards, piano and organ.

Holmes Music is at 21-23 Faringdon Road, Swindon. Telephone (01793) 526393