Soma Skool: Learnin's never been so fun!

It can be a little depressing when people describe our school days as "the best days of our lives". Most of us have memories of tedious homework, itchy uniforms and that nasty layer of skin on the school canteen soup. Basically we couldn't get out of there fast enough. So why all this buzz about going back to school? The answer lies in the unusual curriculum of the Soma Skool, a yearly one-day event run by Soma Records, and focussed on deciphering the inner workings of the music production world. It seeks to encourage young people to pursue careers in the creative industries and prides itself on its "positive education."

A million miles from stuffy classrooms and disinterested students, the Skool teaches a captive audience of enthusiasts what goes on behind the scenes of the music business and how to get ahead in the industry through a combination of stalls, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions with those who know it best. Attendance has been growing since it began in 2003 and Soma Skool events have now also taken place in Dundee, Falkirk and Aberdeen, attracting a mixture of people and who are passionate about music.

You may be great at mixing, composing, singing or strumming but when it comes to the complex industry jargon there's no shame in confessing you just don't have a clue. Distribution deals. Packaging deduction. Non-exclusive license. Confused? You're not alone, but the Soma Skool is here to help.

Dave Clarke (a superb name coincidence - ed), co-founder of Soma Records, talks about how his own experiences beginning Soma Records 17 years ago influenced his decision to start the Skool: "When we started Soma we had to learn everything there is to know about the music industry from scratch... we had to learn it all, make contact directly with shops, DJs and clubs, bluff it and learn from our mistakes, sometimes hard ones."

But there's no doubt that he and Soma co-founders Glenn Gibbons, Jim Moutune, Stuart McMillan and Orde Miekle must have been doing something right. With 17 years in the business, over 260 singles and 60 albums under their belts, they now form the backbone of one of the industry's most well respected labels and are keen to pass on their experience and expertise. "Nothing can replace first hand experience, but information and knowledge is so important. If we and the people we invite to speak and advise at Soma Skool can pass it on and both inspire and educate then that will arm people as they go into the industry."

The school covers a broad range of topics from production and video making to artwork and marketing. It's arranged around following the progress of a recording from demo stage to final product and illuminating the music industry along the way. You can expect not only financial advice and information on careers within the creative industries but also talks and demonstrations from some of the top people in the business.

Clarke assures us that this year attendees can expect to hear from a diverse range of guests with the likes of renowned producer and DJ Dave Clarke, The Cinematics, DJ Sneak, Vector Lovers, Black Dog, the manager of Scottish rock conquerors Biffy Clyro, and Vic Galloway and Stuart Barrie from Radio Station Xfm. The guests will not only impart their knowledge but also pass on their flair, passion and enthusiasm for all things creative.

And with such a broad spectrum of skills and information on offer, what is the most valuable thing people should learn form the Skool? "You have to take care of business to go forward – talent alone in the music industry is not enough. Do it yourself and have no fear of making mistakes."