Talented young Bermudians have impressed a visiting Canadian music examiner with their musical skills -- despite their programme's lack of financial support.

The Royal Conservatory of Music's chief examiner James Lawless yesterday told The Royal Gazette : "It would be a tremendous disappointment if their programme does not receive the support it deserves.'' Mr. Lawless said Bermuda's Royal Conservatory of Music had trained students to a level of excellence that was equal to international standards.

"The calibre, quality and preparation of the students is excellent,'' he said. "They have excellent teachers.'' Bermuda Conservatory representative Marlene Campbell claimed the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs had reduced funding to the programme and said she was worried that the needs of the children were not being taken into consideration.

She said: "When you start a programme that supports children, it's very discouraging to have your funding reduced. The parents are very much behind this programme and there is a lot of work that has gone into it.'' However a Ministry spokeswoman stressed the Conservatory was not singled out.

"Applications must be made by each organisation seeking funds,'' she said.

"There are lots of applicants and the funds have to be evenly spread around.'' Mr. Lawless noted that Royal Conservatory locations in Canada, Korea and the US were funded by those countries' governments and said that took some of the burden off teachers and members.

"The existence of the programme is to solely concentrate on the students' development and musical enhancement,'' he said.

"They work toward achieving a goal. It would be a terrible shame if this programme was not allowed to continue for lack of funding.'' Mr. Lawless added: "It's been proven that children who study music are way ahead of children who don't. It's of great value to the student and in anything they choose to do.'' The curriculum and examination system of the Royal Conservatory of Music are built on the highest levels in the teaching and performing of music.

With students ranging from ages five to 15 and instruments that include violin and piano, the programme has helped them develop craft to a quality level.

"Some students have been playing instruments since the age of three,'' Ms.

Campbell said. "It's become very important and is a great accomplishment for them.'' Now in its fourth year of existence, Ms. Campbell said the Conservatory has increased its membership by 150 percent, from 23 students to nearly 100.

She noted that as it increased in size, it needed more support.

"We appreciate the assistance of the Bermuda Arts Council, my concern is that we still don't have enough to continue to support the on-going programme,'' she said.