What is 'Powerjam Bands'?
Powerjam Bands is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means we’re all about giving back to our community. Instead of chasing profits for shareholders, we put every resource into supporting the community and helping young musicians grow. We strive to give our students a service that offers value for money and that the program remains accessible to disadvantaged families.
Young musicians join Powerjam Bands for a variety of reasons; from wanting to seriously pursue their musical aspirations, or simply to improve their skills, gain confidence, and connect with like-minded peers. No matter the reason, Powerjam is more than a music education programme; it’s a youth development platform. We help our students build self-confidence, a sense of community, and a deeper sense of purpose by doing what they love.
Our inclusive model welcomes young musicians from all walks of life, including those with special educational needs, financial disadvantage, low self-esteem or mental health challenges. Our mixed-band approach demonstrates that diverse collaboration is not only socially enriching but also musically powerful. Through shared identity, achievement, and visibility, members develop a sense of ownership and pride, boosting motivation, wellbeing, and long-term personal growth.
At Powerjam Bands, music is the vehicle but the mission is much bigger: to help young people build confidence, find purpose, and become proud, empowered individuals. With consistent, long-term tutoring and mentorship, professional infrastructure, and a 10 year track record of success, Powerjam is a proven model for creative youth engagement and social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do rehearsals take place?
At Heatham House Youth Centre lower ground floor, 1 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BH.
When are rehearsals held?
Fridays between 4:00–8:00 pm and Saturdays between 9:00 am–2:00 pm, depending on the young person’s availability.
Are rehearsal times fixed?
Yes. Once confirmed, sessions take place at the same time each week unless changed due to gigs, holidays, or other exceptional circumstances.
How many rehearsals are there per term?
We aim to deliver 10-12 rehearsals each term, plus any extra gig or recording sessions.
How long is each rehearsal?
Roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, though this may vary slightly depending on the age group and upcoming performances.
How many members are in each band?
Typically 4 to 6, matched by age, skill level, musical interests, and availability to ensure the best dynamic.
Do students need to bring their own instruments?
We provide all core equipment for rehearsals, but we encourage students to bring their own instruments when possible to feel more comfortable and confident.
What happens if my young person misses a rehearsal?
We don’t offer refunds or reschedule for missed sessions due to illness, school trips, or other commitments.
Will my young person be able to focus on exams if gigging?
Yes, absolutely. At Powerjam we make sure that gigs are scheduled in a way that doesn’t clash with exam periods, and rehearsals are designed to be flexible and manageable alongside school commitments. Many of our students have gone through GCSEs, A-levels, and even university exams while gigging with us, and they’ve found that playing music actually helps reduce stress and gives them a healthy balance. We always encourage academics to come first, and we work with families to make sure participation supports, rather than distracts from, studies.
How do I sign up?
Start by filling out our application form.
Please note:
-
Spaces depend on whether we can match your young person with like-minded others based on skill level, musical genre, and availability.
-
If we find a suitable match, we’ll contact you with registration details.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Email us anytime at contact@powerjambands.com
Meet The Team
ANNA TEXIER
Anna is a UC Berkeley alumna with nearly two decades of experience in the Tokyo music industry as a singer-songwriter, recording and touring artist in a J-pop band, and radio DJ for three major FM stations. Anna runs Powerjam on a volunteer basis and was recognised with a Community Heroes Award in 2018 for her work with the project.
DR. ANDREI SORA
Andrei is a professional music producer, guitarist, and performing musician with a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Musicology from the University of Surrey. He produces all of the bands’ music and releases under Powerjam Records, and runs the project alongside Anna.
STEPHEN SPRINGALL
Stephen is a session guitarist & musical director who moved to London after being awarded a scholarship for the London College of Contemporary Music. He regularly tours and records across the UK, playing everything from folk to fusion. He was awarded a distinction from Colaiste Stiofan Naofa's renowned music course in Ireland and has worked as a music tutor for over 10 years.
LUIS CHICO
Luis is is a classically trained pianist with twenty years of professional performance experience as both a soloist and a keyboardist. With twenty years of teaching experience, he specialises in planning and delivering engaging lessons that build skills and confidence for learners of all ages.