Catatonia drummer teaches wannabes

Catatonia split after the departure of Cerys Matthews

Welsh pop band Catatonia's former drummer has gone back to the class to help wannabe pop stars.

Aled Richards is sharing his experience on the world music stage with students at Carmarthenshire College.

I think he'll find that college life brings its own brand of excitement

Robert Davies, Carmarthenshire College

He is lecturing on the college's music technology course and passing on the tips of the trade to drummers and guitarists.

Richards has taken up his post following the split-up of the band a year ago.

The courses are proving very popular with more students than expected.

Robert Davies, director of student and threshold services said: "We've been developing our performing arts over the past couple of years and this is an extension of that.

"Aled brings his exciting experience to motivate and enthuse the students.

"The courses have filled up quickly with double the amount of students we had anticipated.

"The courses have academic bases but we are preparing them for work.

"It certainly makes a difference to the students because they can see there are careers for them."

Successful graduates obtain AS and A level qualifications in music technology and national diplomas in popular music.

Famous ex-students

Students have plenty to encourage them.

Singer/songwriter David Gray is a former art student at the college and Eurovision contestant Jessica Garlick studied performing arts there.

But Robert Davies does not believe Aled Richards will miss being on the road with a pop band.

He added: "I think he'll find that college life brings its own brand of excitement."

Student bands use their new skills by staging concerts at local venues to give them the experience of performing live.

Tracks are recorded and produced at the College and are released on its own label CSgas.