For most of us, summer simply means a change in weather, but for young adults aged 14 to 19, summer brings the opportunity to go to fun retreats like band camp or, even better, even Point Blank's summer school, which is now open for enrollment. The London-based music college announced its Summer School 2011 Courses designed to help young people get a hands-on feel for the music industry.

Taught by experts and pros, the courses to be offered this summer include Music Production Summer School, Singing Summer School, Songwriting Summer School, DJ Summer School, and Radio Summer School. These weekend- and week-long courses are aimed at music-crazy students who want to develop their skills over the summer break.

Each course is taught in a small group at Point Blank’s recording studios in Hoxton, London. Tutors at the college include Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers who have worked with a number of famous artists, including Michael Jackson, Massive Attack, Alicia Keys, P Diddy, La Roux, Amy Winehouse, Estelle, and Sugababes.

Music Production Summer School (395 GBP or approx. $639) is a week-long course providing its students with the real skills needed to produce music. Students will learn all about drum programming, samplers and synths, audio recording and editing, arrangement techniques, effects and mixing, and more, from professional producers.

Singing Summer School (395 GBP or approx. $639) will show students how to deliver an accomplished vocal performance every time. The week-long course involves learning with a professional vocalist who will reveal professional vocal techniques used by recording artists, including former Point Blank student Leona Lewis. At the end of the week you will have the opportunity to record your song in the studio and make your own copy on CD. This course covers warm ups and practice routines, breathing and diction, vocal arrangements and rhythm, live performance, recording, and more.

Songwriting Summer School (395 GBP or approx. $639) provides an insider's guide to writing hit songs. Students will learn how a professional songwriter composes melodies, writes lyrics, and arranges a backing track; the course covers songs and songwriters, basic music theory, lyric writing, hook writing, song feel and structure, and recording.

DJ Summer School (245 GBP or approx. $396), a weekend-long course, will show its future spinners how to mix, alongside a pro DJ. Classes are taught in small groups and every student will have his or her own DJ workstation, so that students can get hands-on experience using professional DJ equipment. The class offers a crash course in gear, beats, bars, phrasing, drop mixing, recording, beat matching, and more.

The weekend-long Radio Summer School (245 GBP or approx. $396) course will teach young adults how to get up and running with a radio show. Professional broadcasters with experience on BBC, Choice FM, Kiss FM, and Internet radio stations will guide students through presenting styles, interview techniques, playlists, radio desks, more. At the end of the course, they will have the opportunity to present a show live online and will record a showreel to take home.

The courses run from July 25 to August 29, 2011. All young music makers, singers, presenters, and DJs between the ages of 14 and 19 may enroll in the classes.

For more details, visit pointblanklondon.com.