The Virtual Conservatorium is now a reality, with the first Master of Arts Administration (MAA) students starting on-line studies with Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music this week.

The MAA degree has more than 100 students enrolled in Sydney, Rockhampton and now in Cyberspace - making CQCM's post graduate entity the largest of any conservatorium in Australia.

The new on-line postgraduate students are starting with Current Developments in Multimedia.

They will be joined in 2003 by undergraduate singers, instrumentalists and composers enrolled in the Virtual Conservatorium's Bachelor of Music/Performing Arts program.

The Virtual Conservatorium project incorporates an electronic tutor, an electronic administrator and a new concept (unique to CQCM) - and eCarer. Undergraduate students will also receive visits from a performance assessor.

Students have signed on from throughout the east coast of Queensland. CQCM is hoping to attract inland students in the near future.

CQCM Director Associate Professor Greg Whateley said the virtual project was a superb initiative demonstrating the new conservatorium in the new economy.

"From these beginnings in Queensland we are looking to extend interstate and overseas. This is already earmarked as a CQCM flagship program," he said.

ENDS For details/interview call Assoc Prof Whateley via 0418 871 617