STUDENTS did not miss out on the opportunity to grab an autograph from frontman of folk-punk band The Levellers as he visited Weymouth College.

A wave of famous faces including guitarist and lead singer with The Levellers, Mark Chadwick, have been visiting the college to mark Music Industry Week.

The event, in its second year, aims to give students an insight into working in the music industry and give them first-hand experiences from professionals.

Mr Chadwick said: “The students were very enthusiastic. They asked questions from beginning to end and were really interested in why and how the band formed in the first place and the very early stuff. I spoke to them about my career and the music industry itself and about song writing. I advised them to not being afraid of being themselves really and how music can be more than just love songs.”

Music Lecturer and the organiser of the week, Isaac Draper, said: “We wanted to give the students an insight into what it’s like and takes to be in the music industry and the students have responded really well to it. They have had some really inspirational talks.

“We have about 56 students across the three or four courses who are looking in to go into the industry.”

Student Charlie Helburt, 17, said: “The week has been really interesting to actually see and speak to people who are in the music industry and show us that this is where we could be.”

Jess Radbourne, 17, said: “It’s been a really good insight and one really good thing is that the people who have come in to talk to us have contacts, which is brilliant for all of us at the college.”

Alex Holmes, one half of dance music act, Got Some, who have recently performed with Wiley, was also one of the day’s guest speakers.

Mr Holmes said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to talk to the students.

He said: “I want to share my experience of the industry, and give them some production tips and teach them about copyright.

“I really hope that I can get students interested in a career behind the scenes and teach them how to be creative in the studio and introduce them to different ways of thinking.”

Music technology lecturer and ex hacienda resident DJ, Andy Cleeton said the event was a great success.

He said “The whole week has been so good for the students.

“All the speakers have been really strong and the students have got a lot out of it."