He found fame with cult indie band The Smiths and now, as Visiting Professor, influential Manchester-born guitarist, Johnny Marr will be passing on his musical expertise to students at Salford University.

The ex-Smiths guitarist and current band member of Modest Mouse will be delivering a series of workshops and masterclasses to students on the BA Popular Music and Recording degree at Salford.

Johnny's latest venture comes hard on the heels of a Q Lifetime Achievement Award and a number one hit in the US charts with Modest Mouse.

He joined the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Harloe, and Registrar, Dr Adrian Graves, at a reception on Wednesday 17 October to formally appoint him as Visiting Professor of Music.

After the appointment Johnny said: "Salford University is offering some fantastic opportunities to students in music. It is an honour to be appointed as a Professor and I'm excited at the prospect of being able to make a contribution."

But this is not the first time that Johnny has visited Salford University. Those lucky enough to have been present at The Smiths' performance (one of the last few) held at the University in 1986 experienced what Johnny regards as the best gig he ever played. As he himself says: "the PA had to be tied down because the floor was bouncing up so high that the stage was practically falling to pieces."

After making his name in cult 80s band The Smiths, Johnny became a session musician working with artists such as The Pretenders and Bryan Ferry. In the late 90s he formed a new band, Johnny Marr and the Healers, and he is currently a member of American indie rock band Modest Mouse.

John Sweeney from the University's School of Media, Music & Performance said: "Johnny is a revered guitarist and composer and is held in the highest esteem by many of his fellow performers.

"At the moment he is back at the height of his considerable powers, so it is a tremendous opportunity for our students to gain from Johnny's expertise and experience. He has so much to give and he is such a willing and enthusiastic guy - those students lucky enough to benefit from Johnny's appointment are in for something really special."

www.salford.ac.uk/news/details/596