this academic year.

Board chairman Tom Conyers pointed out that in its second year of operation, the Conservatory has focussed on making financial awards to students who otherwise would not be able to pursue music studies.

"The Conservatory is committed to bringing music to a wider audience, and expanding our bursary programme aimed at assisting students to achieve musical excellence is one of our prime goals,'' Mr. Conyers said.

The Conservatory, for the first time this year, also announced bursaries in conjunction with corporate sponsors.

Westgen Insurance and American International Group funded specific bursaries, while the Wendy Kyle Bursary Fund was awarded to two other students.

"Our second year promises to be a good one for the further development of the Conservatory,'' Mr. Conyers concluded, "and these partnerships with the business community will enable us to financially support the many students who require our help.

"We are very grateful to our two leading corporate sponsors for their initiative, and look forward to expanding it for the future.'' The Bermuda Conservatory of Music, with a faculty of 13 teachers, provides instruction in piano, voice and violin to 500 young students, while an additional 200 young children participate in the Kindermusik programmes.