Young musicians — including Bothell bassist Drew Mattocks — have many hurdles in pursuing their passion. A lack of access to good instruments, recording equipment, transportation, a place to practice and finding like-minded individuals of the same age can be frustrating. But aspiring teens and tweens may find some answers in an unusual place — Northwest University (NWU) in Kirkland.

The Christian college is hosting its first venture into teaching the arts of jamming, overdubbing and getting over stage fright with a new program called URock.

“I’ve been thinking for a few years about what music can do for people, especially with leadership issues,” said Northwest University’s Jeff Lockhart, who is the executive director of the Creatio Institute, which encompasses the URock program at NWU. “It teaches personal commitment, accountability and other skills that everyone needs to survive in the business world. When you’re in a band you also have to learn how to compromise, share and listen to others. It is the dynamic of life.”

The program is designed to teach teens and tweens life skills along with the skills to become a good musician.

Lockhart, who is also a NWU grad and the drummer for Beatles cover band Creme Tangerine, gave up his position as assistant vice president for development at NWU to become executive director of Creatio Institute.

“They have been really supportive,” said Lockhart about the university. “It has been great to wake up every day and do what I love.”

Even though he had great support getting the program off the ground, Lockhart said the launch was not entirely easy.

“We had issues with funding and infrastructure like any new program,” said Lockhart, who has been playing drums professionally for 30 years. “We went out and found people who are good with kids and are good musicians. But we wrote all the curriculum.”

The staff of URock is an impressive list including Lockhart; Daphne Loves Derby band member David Sparks; Bernadette Bascom, who was one of the first musicians signed to Stevie Wonder’s label; Samuel Mathews, who played drums with Quincy Jones; and Grammy award-winning Steve Smith, who is the program’s creative director.

“Having a guy with two Grammies is pretty cool,” said Lockhart.

The URock program originated at Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, but URock, as run by NWU, held a trial run last summer to rave reviews from students.

“I am glad that the community is willing to put on programs to organize kids into bands because it is something that we all enjoy,” said Kirkland resident, 16-year-old Colter Potter, who took the program last summer.

Potter met some friends through URock and started the band Studio 6, after its rehearsal space in the program. Bothell’s Mattocks, 17, holds down the low end on bass in the band.

“We kind of function as a band when we need to,” said Potter, who plays the drums. “We don’t actively practice because we are all so busy, but I stay in contact with those guys.”

Last summer was the second time the band took the URock program and the musicians plan to take it again this summer.

“It is fun to see how far they have progressed in their musical abilities,” said Potter.

For information, visit www.urocknow.com.