Young people who want to develop their musical talent are invited to join the Instrumental Music Training Scheme which is now open for enrolment.

Organised by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department's Music Office, the scheme is now recruiting trainees and intermediate year one trainees for 2005-06. The deadline for applications is May 7.

With an annual enrolment of more than 4,000 trainees, the scheme provides training in string, wind and Chinese musical instruments, such as violin, viola, cello, flute, bassoon, oboe, dizi, erhu and zhongruan.

Courses in musicianship and theory are also provided to supplement the music training.

Weekly group lessons from beginners to advanced level are conducted in Cantonese at the Music Office's five music centres in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan. Tuition fees range from $130 (beginners) to $200 (intermediate) and $265 (advanced).

Application forms are now available at all music centres of the Music Office. They can also be downloaded from the Office's website.