A NEW iPad app which teaches people how to play guitar, bass and drums has been developed at Weston College.

As well as coming into the college for one-to-one lessons, students on music courses can be taught online and also via an iPad app called iTutorus, developed by college music technician Richard King.

Paul Raymond, the curriculum manager for music courses, said the online lessons and accompanying app were created in response to the demands of a growing number of students.

He said: “We know that many people learn techniques from websites like YouTube. While these can be good they’re not always accurate and so we recognised the need to create something that was just as accessible but of exceptionally high quality.”

The virtual tutorial has proved so successful that it will be extended to pupils at North Somerset secondary schools, with plans to develop it even more widely in the future.

Mr Raymond said: “I think we’re looking at the future here. More and more students are responding positively to computer tutorials and while the vast majority are still keen on the face-to-face approach this is an excellent top-up for what they are already learning.”

The lessons begin with the very basics of each instrument and take the student step-by-step through the learning process. Students using the iPad app can watch the tutorial, read accompanying text and upload their own efforts for tutors to mark.