But maybe you shouldn't worry too much that your teenager is in a rock band, because research has found it's actually helping their learning.

University of Tasmania school of education PhD candidate Jane Baker has studied the way teenagers in a rock band learn - outside of formal education.

She studied five Tasmanian bands. Many of their members didn't perform well academically, but Ms Baker found they had a disciplined approach to learning.

''They didn't just play together for the fun of it,'' she said.

''They set goals and they tried to achieve their goals.''

Ms Baker, who is also a music teacher, said many people devalued the idea of their children being in a rock band as they didn't think it could help them learn.

But Ms Baker said bands were usually committed and hard working, made plans and were goal driven.

''It could encourage a whole range of students who maybe don't do well academically and it may have the ability to help them,'' Ms Baker said.

''You can compare some of these student's dedication to some of the people who diligently study towards a university degree.''

Ms Baker's study will be showcased in the new issue of the University of Tasmania's Research to Reality.