The RoKzKool Academy Charity

An innovative musical project

Our Story…

The RoKzKool Academy Scottish Charity has been operating in and around the Highlands for over 5 years, gaining charitable status in July 2019.

At RoKzKool Academy (SCIO), we run workshops during term time for young people of all ages and backgrounds, working in partnership with Schools and Communities. We also offer week long courses during school holidays which emphasise music, sport and fun. We have facilitated many Events and Galas, and now are being given the opportunity to perform for our 2nd year at Belladrum!

All of our Students work towards building skills and incorporating recognised awards, such as Hi5, Saltire, Youth Awards and DofE.

Our aim is to build confidence, self esteem, resilience and social skills as well as independence and respect; we provide a platform for our students to develop skills and knowledge to perform their best not only on stage but in the spheres of work, life and society.

Health and well-being is encouraged, as is parent participation, with a student led approach that allows students to become a main part of every project we deliver. We have guest speakers from our partner organisations and companies offering opportunities to Rokzkool Academy through residential retreats and local activities run by organisations such as The Rotary Clubs, local Youth Development Teams such as Clachnacudden FC. We receive sponsorships from co-op, Asda, Tesco, Albyn Housing Association, Cairn Housing Association and the Tulloch Group and more,  working together with Youth Highland, Signpost, Highland Children’s Forum, SNAP, NAS, and the NHS to allow us to work together for the benefit of the Community.

We enhance and encourage musical skill through a variety of activities, believing that everybody has some kind of musical ability that only needs inspiration, confidence and direction to find it. Our workshops offer a series of activities devoted to the musical, emotional and social development of youth. The facilities are designed to entertain, exercise and stimulate them in a positive way while reinforcing good social skills in a group environment.

We are committed to fostering a good relationship with the young people we assist, promoting socialisation and solid friendships, strong interpersonal skills and reasserting a sense of hope in their futures. Only through positive personal relationships can a sense of individual responsibility be established that will give young people the motivation and dedication to follow through on the path to their goals with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

To achieve this young people will be in a caring, inclusive learning environment that encourages them to do their best and find self-respect.  RoKzKool creates a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the communities at large.

Our Service

RoKzKool offers a unique service in the Highlands. We provide youth with an extra-curricular opportunity to sample a wide variety of instruments such as drums, piano, wind instruments double bass, acoustic and electric guitar and more, singing and learning the structure of musical notes. You can browse our gallery page to see some of the musical instruments and our students playing them.

Our workshops are designed with a quality structure allowing both solo work, being part of a group, and the skills learnt will transfer from the stage into the young people’s lives also.

About Kay

Kay Ewen – Co-Founder of Rokzkool Academy.

Kay Ewen is a passionate community leader and the co-founder of Rokzkool Academy SCIO. Born and raised in the Merkinch area of Inverness – one of Scotland’s most deprived communities – Kay’s commitment to supporting others stems from her own lived experience.

Along with being very active, gymnastics, playing badminton hockey and football for her school, She began working at just 12 years old, helping her mum, recruit and manage silver-service staff for high-end hospitality events across the Highlands.

From weddings and sporting events to international conferences, Kays mum Violet was well-known for her high standards, professionalism, and ability to bring people together. Along with her mum she worked in iconic venues including the Caledonian Hotel, Station Hotel, Drummossie Hotel, Columba Hotel, Mercury Hotel..Eden Court, and many others.
Kay’s professional journey has spanned several industries, always with a focus on people and development.

She spent 8 years with Esso UK as a Manager and Trainer, before taking on the role of Training Coordinator eventually becoming Training and Development Manager (Highland),at the Scottish Grocers’ Federation for 7 years, delivering SVQ’s, setting up New Deal Mentoring, along with Work Placements – innovative training across the Highlands. She also served as Housing Manager at Cairn Housing for 3 years, supporting vulnerable tenants with compassion and dignity.

A key chapter in Kay’s career was her work with Job Centre Plus, where she was subcontracted by HIE to deliver three major contracts across the Highlands. Her programmes achieved outstanding outcomes, helping long-term unemployed individuals re-enter work with confidence and dignity. For this, she was honoured with a prestigious award at Stirling Castle, recognising her success, empathy, and impact in the area.

In 2014, Kay launched Rokzkool4U, and by 2019 this evolved into Rokzkool Academy SCIO – a small but thriving micro charity focused on art, music, training, learning, and food support. Under Kay’s leadership, Rokzkool Academy has become a beacon of hope and creativity, offering safe, inclusive spaces for young people and families across the Highlands.

With her trademark humour, drive, and deep compassion, Kay continues to lead from the front – building brighter futures, one person at a time.

About Rod

Rod Shannon – Co-Founder, Rokzkool Academy.

Rod Shannon is a classically trained musician and passionate educator, born and raised in Glasgow. His love for music began early, growing up surrounded by creativity—his father was a professional jazz trumpet player with a notable career at the Glasgow School of Art, and his mother worked as a butcher, occupational therapist, and later a dedicated youth leader in one of Glasgow’s toughest communities.

Rod played in bands throughout his teenage years and eventually dedicated 15 years to working as a Day Centre Officer within Social Work, supporting vulnerable individuals with compassion and care. Alongside this, he carved out a successful 32-year career as a self-employed carpenter and joiner, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship in kitchens, bathrooms, and home extensions, backed by decades of glowing testimonials.

Now, as Co-Founder of Rokzkool Academy, Rod feels he has truly found his calling—sharing his skills, inspiring young people, and creating a safe and vibrant space where creativity and community thrive. His greatest joy comes from teaching and fostering a sense of belonging in the next generation.