A new deal is striking a different chord by helping unemployed musicians to improve their skills and find work.

Andrew Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said the New Deal for Musicians had become a permanent part of the Government's programme following a pilot scheme.

This recognised both the success of the pilot and "the special contribution music makes to British life".

During the three-year pilot, jointly developed with the music industry, almost 2,500 people found work.

Mr Smith said: "From The Beatles to Ms Dynamite, the music industry is the UK's third highest exporter, bringing in millions of pounds every year.

It is vital to our economy and provides many jobs."

The scheme is open to young people aged between 18 and 24 who have been receiving the Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) for more than six months and people aged between 25 and 50 who have been receiving the JSA for more than 18 months.

Eligible songwriters, composers, vocalists, instrumentalists and performing DJs are interviewed by an approved music industry consultant, who gives a realistic assessment of their prospects.

They can then take advantage of open learning materials, including studio facilities, or choose to be self-employed.

The programme usually lasts for about six months.

Bruce Dickinson, director of the Brighton Institute of Modern Music and a former member of Nineties' rock band Little Angels, said the programme was positive.

He said: "When I was 18 I was very serious about making music but I was pushed into a corner and made to sign on until the band got off the ground.

"There was very little understanding from others about what was involved at the business end of the music industry and it was very difficult to get going."

The only possible problem was the scheme helped people avoid what could be valuable obstacles into the industry.

He said: "The industry makes people overcome obstacles to prove their talent and dedication.

"These obstacles aren't always a bad thing and anyone with something worth saying should make it past them.

Having said this, everyone deserves their crack at making it.

"Music is classless and it shouldn't matter what background you come from. This scheme can only help."

The pilot scheme, which cost about £9 million, ran between August 1999 and November 2002.

During that period, more than 10,500 people met music industry consultants, of whom almost 3,200 went on to access training and receive further advice.

Of those, 2,496 found employment and 215 became self-employed.

About £4.5 million a year will be available for the scheme.

For more details, call your local jobcentre.