Mideast's first 'School of Rock': For girls only!

Not since Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan with the Cranberries has there been a serious, mainstream female rock voice.

Even Gwen Stefani went pop.

For music loving fans of that rare breed of female head-banging vocals, there is some mosh to be had from this movement in the UAE.

It is called ‘Rock Camp for Girls’ UAE (RCFG UAE) and like its name – straight up -  it is five-day camp that teaches girls how to rock and how to be a rocker, or both.

The camp is organised by women and caters to girls aged eight to 18.

Who runs the camp – a bunch of UAE-based female rock performers, including Noush Like Sploosh, Fatiniza and Carla Saad.

What happens there?

Young budding female rockers pick up an instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform it in front of friends, family and fans on the final day.

Only 25 seats are available, according to organisers, who have a pretty professional game-plan.

Girls attend a series of specialised workshops, with instruction on setting up PA systems, lyric writing, creating fanzines, as well as partaking in self-defence classes and band photo-shoots.

 “This is not just a music camp,” said Zahra Soar, Dubai Eye radio presenter and camp founder.

“This is a not-for-profit mentoring program that will empower girls and galvanise them into action. If a student graduates from RCFG UAE with greater confidence to perform, and wants to form her own band, then we have done our job.”

While new to this part of the world, rock camps catering specifically for girls are nothing new in North America and Europe.

Singer Kate Nash has recently launched an after-school club for girls in the UK.

The camp takes place at Tone Town Studios, Al Quoz, between 9 am and 2 pm and will run from April 11th.