ALTHOUGH high profile live music events have never been more popular, Alistair Wilkinson, chief executive at Poole's Lighthouse fears concert goers are missing out on quality shows at the grass roots.

While major tours - both classical and pop - sell out quicker than ever, some of the less obvious live attractions are struggling to get an audience.

And Lighthouse is taking steps to make sure young people don't miss out by introducing a kids-for-a-quid initiative that will allow schools and youth groups to buy tickets for concerts for just £1 per person.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for teachers or youth leaders to introduce their students to concerts where musicians are really going for it, right in front of the audience," says Alistair.

"This is a once in a lifetime offer."

The £1 tickets are available to all school and youth groups in the region for nine live concerts at Lighthouse during the spring season beginning with jazz pianists Fingerbusters on February 7 and running through to Piano Masters 2 on April 13.

"Today's teenagers are mostly experiencing music in front of a screen, watching MySpace or downloading songs. Being up close and personal with living musicians is something many young people just don't get to do," adds Alistair.

"We hope that teachers will feel inspired to organise at least one trip for their kids - it's only £1 for the teachers too!"

Lighthouse is also producing a special music newsletter detailing all live concerts, available free from the ticket office.