Wollongong High School students learnt tips this week on how to crack into the music industry from Thirsty Merc’s lead singer and other industry professionals.

They were taught the value of perseverance and hard work during the three day music camp at Waterslea, near Tapitallee, which wrapped up on Wednesday.

Pop rock star Rai Thistlethwayte said he wanted to inspire students to express their creativity.

“[I tried] to break down the barriers and mental rules people seem to place on themselves as creators,” he said.

“It’s all about trial and error.

“It’s the making of some future stars here.”

The Los Angeles based 33-year-old singer was in Australia for the band’s five-week Freakin’ Autumn Tour, and to celebrate his brother’s wedding next week.

Other guests included American music producer, programmer and musician Robert Conley, who has worked on albums for Celine Dion, KISS, Ricky Martin, Brian McFadden and Delta Goodrem.

Wollongong High School year 11 student Sophia Simoes Da Silva was impressed by Mr Thistlethwayte’s talents as a vocalist, song writer, pianist and guitarist.

The best advice students received was to register original music with the Australasian Performing Right Association.

“You can get royalties if someone uses your music, and for me it’s good because I’ve written quite a lot of songs and done some recordings,” she said.