SOUND-PROOFING was never a problem in transforming the former Sutherland police station in Boyle Street, complete with the original thick walls of the cellblock, into new music and rehearsal studios.

Now known as the Lockup, new owners Mark Spiteri and Dave Manuel are professional drummers, percussionists and educators.

Spiteri is drummer with local band DelSanto and a regular member of Wollongong Symphony Orchestra and Manuel has performed with Guy Sebastian, Michael Crawford and Shirley Bassey.

The pair established the Lockup 12 months ago and have been working hard to make improvements to the studios, transforming them into a venue where all types of musicians can come to create, record and learn.

``We feel there's a need in southern Sydney for a musical arts hub,'' Manuel said.

``The aim was to create an environment where a student can start at eight years learning an instrument with a private teacher and go right through to forming or becoming part of a band, doing their HSC in music and then move on to performing and recording or even tertiary study.''

Manuel said their shire-based drum school, Drum It Up, which they established in 2001, was now at the Lockup.

``Drum It Up has become the place to learn all things percussive, from rock drums through to xylophone and hand drumming to African drums,'' Manuel said.

``Having taught in all levels of education, we understand and know what students need to succeed in their musical studies especially in the latter years of high school, leading up to the HSC and getting into tertiary courses.

``We're also committed to helping more seasoned performers with advice on recording, music production, arranging and orchestrating.''

Details: Mark Spiteri and Dave Manuel at the studios on 95454100 or visit lockupstudios.com.au or drumitup.com.au