A MUSIC symposium has been hailed as a great success by its organisers.

More than 60 people visited the University of Bath in Swindon's Oakfield Campus, in Marlowe Avenue, on Tuesday, to listen to what leading lecturers had to say about the music industry.

The symposium was open to all kinds of people, from musicians and bands, to promoters and festival organisers.

It was organised by Swindon Council's Arts Services, which is looking at ways to better support the local music scene.

Presenters included Matt Booth, from Dartington Plus, which has a remit to support and develop music in the south west.

Andrew Bubber, the senior lecturer in Music Industries at the University of Central England in Birmingham, spoke about music technologies.

They offered an interesting insight into the music business and those who attended were able to air their views and provide input into what the music scene needs.

And there were plenty of opportunities for all views to be captured and for discussion of specific topics.

Steve Causer, the Arts Minds co-ordinator for the council, said: "It is important to get across that this has never been done before in the Swindon area.

"I think this has been really worthwhile doing and people have got a lot from it.

"I think people are getting really excited about the music scene in Swindon at the moment and this is to discuss how to take it onto the next step.

"We want people working together on this from all genres of music as well.

"One idea we've had called Sing Swindon is to get everyone one singing on the same day."

Details are available on the website www.myspace.com/swindonmusicsymposium.