Noteworthy move

Noteworthy move: aspiring musicians can apply to seven music colleges through a centralised electronic admissions service launched this week.

Applicants seeking undergraduate and postgraduate courses can use the service, run by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, for courses starting in autumn 2006. The applications deadline is October 1.

Edward Gregson, chairman of Conservatoires UK - a network of seven music colleges - and principal of the Royal Northern College of Music hopes the move will widen participation. He said: 'Conservatoires are elitist about talent, but we want the best talent wherever it comes from.' The service will cover the Birmingham Conservatoire; Leeds College of Music; the Royal College of Music; the Royal Northern College of Music; the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama; the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; and Trinity College of Music