YORK's young composers are being given the chance to create their own music with the help of professional musicians.

The project from City of York Council's arts service is aimed at young people who are interested in working with sound, and is part of the York Music Live Festival.

It is just one of the events which will celebrate the richness and diversity of music in the city's schools.

Young people will be able to take their musical ideas to the one-day "music makers" workshop on Sunday, May 18, at the National Centre for Early Music.

Professional musicians will help them refine and finalise their pieces, before performing the works at 4pm.

David Ashworth, the council's music consultant, said: "We are looking for keen, enthusiastic music-makers who would like to work with a group of professional musicians to hear their ideas developed into a performance and recording.

"The music can be of any style from classical to techno to experimental. Each composition needs to be no more than three minutes long and fairly simple. The musicians will work with any form of notation from standard to written instructions to symbols - anything that gets the composer's ideas across.

"We're looking for ideas that can be developed so it will not matter if the pieces are incomplete - we will work towards the final performance during the day."

To book a place, phone Mr Ashworth at the council's arts service on 01904 554663. Places are limited.

Meanwhile, electric guitarists of all abilities will be able to rehearse and perform together in an orchestra, thanks to the arts service.

Led by Mr Ashworth, the orchestra rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings at Performing Arts Centre 2, Millthorpe School, Nunthorpe Avenue, York, at 4.30pm. The first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, April 30.

Mr Ashworth said: "Players of all ages and abilities from York and the surrounding area are most welcome to join the orchestra. All that is needed is an electric guitar, a plectrum, a good quality 20ft lead and an enthusiasm to learn.

For further information phone 01904 554660.

Updated: 10:04 Friday, April 18, 2003