Kids grab guitars as trend swings from raves to rock

Dhruv Gupte, drums, Zach Preston, guitar, Harrison Summerville, keyboard, and Joe Elliott, guitar. Photo / Supplied

Trash the turntables and grab the guitars - rock music is making a comeback among Kiwi kids.

Gareth Moore, director of Auckland's School of Rock, said there had been a resurgence in the number of children forming bands after an era dominated by DJs and dance music.

"From 2006 until last year, house music was massive [and] all-ages raves and bands were finding it hard to get 10 people through the door, but it's coming back into fashion now," Moore said.

Music store Real Groovy manager Sarah Williamson said there had been a rise in the number of children buying rock - some on vinyl.

"Obviously their parents have brought them up and said, 'This is how you should listen to music'."

Auckland Rockshop general manager Adam Evans said more children were buying guitars than classical instruments.

"A guitar is about $200 and it's cool. The trumpet doesn't really have a cool factor."

The School of Rock works like the storyline in the hit movie starring Jack Black. The bands it has turned out include Midget, made up of four 10- and 11-year-olds from Auckland - Dhruv Gupte, Zach Preston, Joe Elliott and Harrison Summerville.

They started playing together in August last year and their setlist features covers of songs by The White Stripes, The Datsuns and AC/DC.

Last month, they made their television debut on children's show Sticky TV. Today they perform at the finals of the Metro Garage Bands contest at Auckland's Sale St bar.