Workshops on building electric guitars are a hit

A GROUP of professional musicians has given the gift of rock and roll to half a dozen aspiring strummers at an Ipswich disability support service.

Join Australian Music - better known as JAM - visited clients of Luke's Place, Ipswich, teaching them how to build their own electric guitar.

JAM member Nye Stewart said Luke's Place clients were given a kit of pre-fabricated materials which they had to screw, glue and nail into shape.

"We have designed ways of building instruments in a day," Mr Stewart said.

"It is rewarding work. We had one lady at Luke's Place who was completely blind."

It wasn't JAM's first visit to Luke's Place, with the group helping clients build their own percussion instruments last year.

The session was part of a series of programs run by the Alara Association - Luke's Place's parent organisation - to improve the social skills of people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Luke's Place Ipswich co-ordinator Dee Reedy said JAM had provided a rare opportunity for those who were interested in pursuing their musical interests.

"I'm sure this will help develop that musical interest further," Ms Reedy said.

Alara provides respite care and community support for people with disabilities throughout the Ipswich and West Moreton region.

The four Luke's Place centres provide activities including gym sessions and self-defence classes to help clients live as independently as possible.

"Everything we do is based around the clients' goals," Ms Reedy said.

Further information on JAM is available at jamaustralia.com.au

For information on Alara's services, phone 3817 0600.