The Instrumental Music Training Scheme and the School Instrumental Music Training Scheme are recruiting beginners for 2008-09. Young people aged six to 14 can apply.

Organised by the Music Office of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, both schemes will begin in November.

The Instrumental Music Training Scheme provides two-year elementary training in more than 20 Western and Chinese instruments such as violin, saxophone, erhu and dizi. It also offers supplementary courses in musicianship and theory.

Classes will be conducted in Cantonese at Music Office centres in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan.

The School Instrumental Music Training Scheme, specifically for children aged seven to 10, will provide elementary classes in dizi and violin at Tin Shui Wai Xianggang Putonghua Yanxishe Primary School of Science & Creativity.

Tuition fees for the weekly one-hour classes in the first year are $1,260 and $1,540 for the second year.

Applicants will need to attend a music aptitude test and interview. Details can be obtained at Music Office centres and its website. Deadline for application is August 17.

Nine sessions on "Exploring Lesser-known Musical Instruments" will also be held from August 8-10 at the Music Office centres. There will also be live demonstrations and guided listening for the trainees. For ticketing enquiries, call 2598 8335, 2582 5264 or 2792 8364.