A SOUTH West music school is searching for talented young musicians and composers in the West Devon area.

The internationally acclaimed music charity South West Music School (SWMS) opened for applications and is looking for young performing musicians aged between 8 and 16, and young composers aged between 13 and 17 with a combination of potential and passion for music as well as exceptional talent.

CEO and artistic director Lisa Tregale said: 'We would be delighted to hear from young musicians and composers in the South West who wish to dedicate a significant amount of time to developing their instrumental, vocal and musical skills. We are looking for young musicians with a sense of considerable authority, clarity and who are musically informed.

'Our programme is inclusive, ranging from reggae to rock, folk to flamenco and Bach to bhangra. We are open to all, regardless of musical or personal background and do not divert students away from their current schooling or music provision, but instead seek to enhance and complement it through support and other opportunities.

'South West Music School is an amazing opportunity for talented young musicians and composers in our region to develop their skills further.'

Holly Harbron, aged 14, from Okehampton, has been a student on the composers' programme since September 2012.

Holly said: 'Since I have been on the composers' programme, the tuition and residentials have really helped me to develop my composing methods and compositions. Hearing my compositions played live by fellow SWMS students is brilliant too.'

Max Williams, 15, a drummer and bass guitarist from Tavistock, is a student on the Feeder Scheme.

Max said: 'South West Music School offers you lots of chances to develop yourself musically

in a supportive environment.'

South West Music School has 30 places available on the musician feeder scheme.  Successful instrumentalists and vocalists will spend a year on the feeder scheme programme before re-auditioning the following year to fill places of graduating students on the core programme.

Candidates must be between the ages of 8 and 16, have high levels of musicianship, talent or potential and be a committed individual.

The school also has places available on the composers' programme.  Successful composers will join the programme and be provided with an individual mentor or tutor as well as attend three residentials across the year.

The first stage of the application process is an application form and recording, and the second is an audition day, or an interview for composers.

Deadline for applications is Friday, May 10.

All details of the application and audition process can be found by visiting the website http://www.swms.org.uk">www.swms.org.uk or contacting [email protected]">[email protected] or 01392 460770.