skip through navigation (Access Key = S ) Jump to Accessibility Information (Access Key = 0 ) Jump to Home Page (Access Key = 1 ) Jump to News (Access Key = 2 ) Jump to Site Map (Access Key = 3 ) Jump to Search Box (Access Key = 4 ) Jump to Frequently Asked Questions (Access Key = 5 ) Jump to Help Page (Access Key = 6 ) Jump to Complaints (Access Key = 7 ) Jump to Terms and Conditions (Access Key = 8 ) Jump to Feedback Form (Access Key = 9 ) Jump to content (Access Key = N ) Jump to Business and Advice (Access Key = B ) Jump to Leisure and Culture (Access Key = C ) Jump to Council and Community Diary (Access Key = M ) Jump to Environment and Planning (Access Key = V ) Jump to Community and Learning (Access Key = G ) Jump to Do It Online (Access Key = O ) Jump to Children and Young People (Access Key = P ) Jump to A to Z Services (Access Key = T ) Jump to Your Council (Access Key = Y ) Jump to A too Z site Index (Access Key = Z ) jump to Read Speaker functionality (Access Key = L) Jump to Printer Friendly Version (Access Key = F) Jump to Text Only (Access Key = J) Jump to Change Contrast (Access Key = K)
Live and Direct
Live and Direct is a programme which supports young people aged 11-19 to develop their own contemporary music and their own performance style, either as individuals or in bands. The overall aim is to develop the confidence and skill of young musicians to enable them to make informed decisions about their musical futures. Live and Direct group

Young people who are new to an instrument will not learn 'grades', but will have enough one to one with musicians and small group and peer learning to play at a basic level, write their own songs and perform them. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced musicians, with interests covering a whole range including pop, rock and R'n'B.
Live and Direct doesn't censor creativity, and original songwriting by the young people is encouraged as a tool to express themselves. Given this, all project staff are actively involved in discouraging discriminatory lyrics or those which promote the use of illegal drugs.

How do I book a place on Live and Direct?

The young people wishing to take part do not have to be able to read music or own instruments to take part. There are also no auditions and it costs just £24 a term.

Session times (termly):

Ashford Youth Centre, Ashford Mondays 4.30-6.30pm
Thamesmead School, Shepperton Mondays 7.15-9.15pm

Live and Direct runs at both venues each term with no sessions during half term weeks or bank holidays. Each programme finishes with a showcase gig for both groups.

Live and Direct is currently operating a waiting list due to high demand. To be added to the waiting list, contact Leisure Services on 01784 446433.

How is Live and Direct funded?

Live and Direct is a partnership project in Surrey working with Rhythmix, Arts Partnership Surrey, four borough and district councils, three secondary schools, five youth centres and The Orpheus Centre. The project is kindly funded by Arts Partnership Surrey, Youth Music, Performing Rights Society Foundation, Surrey County Council Youth Development Service, Spelthorne Borough Council, Thamesmead School and Surrey County Council Local Committee in Spelthorne. Rhythmix is funded by Youth Music and Surrey County Arts.