IT MAY be the soundtrack of youthful rebellion, but new music all too often seems like the preserve of the wealthy and well-connected.

As many an aspiring artist has discovered, it can be hard to make music if you can’t afford the kit, the lessons, the studio, or even just the time.

Young artists in West Oxfordshire, however, are making themselves heard thanks to a scheme designed to give them a voice, despite their lack of hard cash and industry contacts.

It is called Beat This, and was launched this month in Witney, before being rolled out in Oxford and Banbury.

The free scheme is aimed at singers, writers and potential producers aged 14-25, with a particular emphasis on urban music.

It was launched with a free concert at Fat Lil’s in Witney, featuring Laotian singer-songwriter Phousa, who is based in West Oxfordshire; Oxford rappers Enzyme and Rawz, performance poet Steve Larkin and DJ Andy Hill – who is also the course co-ordinator.

Mr Hill, who lives in West End, Witney, is a music industry professional who is best known as one-half of doom hip-hop duo Death of Hi Fi.

He said the show gave interested young people a chance to see what previous participants had achieved.

He said: “It’s a masterclass for young people who feel inspired to make music or perform but have no way of getting involved.

“Our priority is to engage singers and upcoming musicians who want to improve their skills but aren’t in full-time education or training, do not have the means to pay for other courses, and have no access to people in the music industry.”

Part-time producer and musician Lottie “Exonic” Carter also performed at the event.

Miss Carter, 20, from West End, said: “It was a good way to promote the course.

“Learning to write lyrics and perform is a great way to improve your confidence.”

Lizzy McBain, 31, of Fusion Art, said: “The launch night was a way for young people to find out about what we’ll be doing on the course.

“It was really good to see a few new faces who had heard about the event and turned up on the night.

“We have nine people signed up at the moment and there are spaces still available.

She added: “The youth club has a music studio, so we’ll get to use that to record the music people come up with during the project.”

The 12-week course of creative music training sessions, is being held at West Oxfordshire Hub, in Witan Way, delivered by Fusion Arts with funding from Youth Music, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

The sessions are on Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm.

Andy, who describes himself as a “self-taught DJ, producer and show-off” is being helped by learning assistant Ran Michaeli and visiting artists.

Participants will receive masterclasses in lyric writing, music production, performance skills and staging events – including their own.

They will also be offered the chance to gain Arts Awards Accreditation – a nationally-recognised creative arts certificate.

“It’s about inspiring people to be creative and also gaining a valuable qualification,” added Mr Hill.

“They learn skills and get access to music experts who will come in and help them write, produce, organise and perform. And if they do well, they can go on to other things.”