Star gives music lessons to youngsters (From Salisbury Journal)

Omar gives music lessons to youngsters at Richard Taunton College in Southampton

6:00am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Education By Michael Carr, Reporter

LAST WEEK pop star Omar was in the company of royalty receiving an MBE for his services to music at Buckingham Palace.

Yesterday the R'n'B star swapped Palace for a Southampton classroom.

The singer helped run a workshop with more than 40 students at Richard Taunton College in Hill Lane.

The 44 year-old, who is also known as the “godfather of British neo-soul” took time out from his busy schedule, ahead of the release of his seventh album called 'The Man' to help give the students a few of his top tips.

He has previously collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, and used the performing arts students for backing vocals, while music students played their instruments, as he sung extracts from his new album.

It was not the first time the singer had visited Richard Taunton College, back in 2011 he helped launch Black History Month.

He said: “I hope the students can get the same enthusiasm for music that I have. I have a really good feel for the College, and if the students can get inspiration from my music then it's all worth it.

The workshops aren't just useful for the students, Omar very rarely does workshops and he added: “Doing these workshops has helped me think about how I make my music, and I hope I can get the chance to come back here in the future.”