“Wider opportunities: transition and beyond”, a London region conference for KS2-3 teachers, primary heads and other interested professionals, takes place in Dagenham, March 30. Organisers: National Association of Music Educators and Federation of Music Services. Fee: pound;45; pound;40 members.

Tel: 020 8270 66901

Email: rburt@music-service.bardaglea.org.uk

Changing Tunes, a national forum exploring music leadership, takes place in Birmingham, July 11, as part of Music Manifesto 20067. Organised by the Music Education Council and Music for Youth, topics include: cross-sector collaboration and youth leadership. Speakers include Christine Coker, Youth Music’s chief executive. Fee: pound;50 (some DfES-subsidised places).

Contact Anna Gilbert

Tel: 020 8870 9624

Email: anna@mfy.org.uk

Three hundred groups of young instrumentalists and singers will perform at the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham, July 10-15. It includes Singposium 2006, a singing, conducting and choral day at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham, July 12. Fee: pound;45. Organised by Music for Youth and the Association of British Choral Directors, topics include: inspiration from world music for KS2; worthwhile warm-ups for youth choirs; voice for life (focusing on boys’ changing voices); Kodaly in the primary classroom; Associated Board choral singing exams.

Box office opens May 3, Tel: 0121 780 3333.

Tel: 020 8870 9624

www.mfy.org.uk

Access to Music’s one-year educator course for musicians aged 18 upwards starting in September will equip them to teach music and lead music workshops and masterclasses. The course can act as a stepping stone to levels 4 and 5 teacher training, including PGCE and City and Guilds.

Students study full-time at North Trafford College, Manchester, or through a British Academy of New Music distance flexible learning option. Other ATM and Rockschool courses include full-time level 1-3 diplomas and certificates for ages 14+, a more user-friendly alternative to BTEC, GCSE or A-level music courses.

Tel: 0116 242 6888

www.accesstomusic.co.uk

The National Association of Music Educators’ annual conference will be held at Warwick University, September 22-24.

Tel: 01629 760791

www.name2.org.uk COMPETITION

The BBC PromsGuardian Young Composers Competition invites students aged 12-18 to enter pieces by May 26. All entrants are invited to Inspire on August 11, a free day of music-making with the winning pieces performed professionally and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, take part in practical sessions and meet composers such as John Adams.

www.bbc.co.ukproms