Music gurus want to help produce a new generation of DIY pop stars churn out hits from their own bedrooms using the latest technology.

Developments in music hardware have made it easier for wannabe pop idols to produce hits from home.

Matt Caldrick, a former collaborator with chart-topper Gabrielle, is launching a course teaching students the art of music production.

He has donated his own computer equipment for a new £1,300 studio at Nick's Music Studio in Brunswick Street East, Hove.

Mr Caldrick, 38, said: "We are not going to create the next Phil Spector or Trevor Horn overnight.

"But we will be introducing people to what can be done with equipment and just how much you can manipulate sound for your desired effects.

"So much of the business is done on a DIY basis now - the bigger, more expensive studios have declined and home technology has become more easily available."

Each student will have to produce their own recording by the end of the course.

Best-selling pop stars who have produced their own records from home include Daniel Bedingfield, David Gray and Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy.

Tutors at the music school hope to capitalise on the reality TV show bandwagon.

Associate director Kate Chapman said televised talent shows Pop Idol, Pop Stars and Fame Academy had inspired more students to sign up.

Some have taken classes at the music school to prepare for the shows' auditions.

The college can call upon 15 specialist tutors, including Terry Bickers, lead guitarist with Eighties band, House Of Love.

Although the tutors offer a range of musical styles, students' current preferences seem to be catchy pop, David Gray-style ballads, and nu-metal.

The school offers weekly one-to-one tuition sessions, group projects and performances, and regular jam nights.

The music technology course starts on January 24. For more details, call 01273 735344.