The Flaming Lips Set To Take Class

Students wanting to get a lesson from the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd (pictured) now have a date to circle in their diaries. As previously reported on Spinner, the multi-instrumentalist is set to teach at the newly institutionalized Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma. The program aims to teach students about both the construction and composition of music as well as the business side of the music industry.

Drozd is expected to give a Master Class on Wednesday (Feb. 10). This will involve an interview and Q&A but those of you thinking of dusting off your satchels and bringing in an apple for teacher had better hold back -- the class is only open to enrolled students.

The academy, which was launched last year by Drozd and Flaming Lips manager Scott Booker, has already started to teach students about the finer points of the industry. The last term saw a Master Class from the Who's singer Roger Daltrey as well as a concert that saw Wanda Jackson -- the Queen of Rockabilly -- backed by students.

Students are also required to participate in a performance workshop that sees them forming bands and covering classic and contemporary material.