Calling all young composers and instrumentalists in the West Midlands!
CoMA is looking for composers and instrumentalists aged 16-18 in the West Midlands to write and play new pieces in the international CoMA Festival 2026. If you are interested in contemporary classical music, expanding your creative experience and are excited about meeting other musicians, we want to hear from you!
What is Mysounds + CoMA West Midlands?
CoMA West Midlands ensemble are inviting four young composers to write new pieces for the group to workshop and perform. We are also inviting young performers to join the group to play the brand new compositions in a full-day event. The event will take place in the CoMA Festival 2026, a series of new music-making events happening across the UK and beyond throughout March 2026.
Who we are
CoMA West Midlands is an open-to-join group who gather to play contemporary classical music and improvise, led by conductor Sara Caneva. Players of any instrument can take part as the music played is flexible. The group is made up of a wide range of ages, abilities and levels of experience.
The opportunity
We’re offering a rare chance for young musicians to write and play brand new music in an adventurous and supportive setting.
Activity outline:
16 October – 14 November 2025: apply to take part as a composer or performer. Please note, we can only accommodate a maximum of four composers and 12 performers.
21 November 2025: applicants are notified of the outcome. Selected composers are invited to write a short piece (up to three minutes) for flexible ensemble. This means the piece can be played by any combination of instruments. Further guidance will be given to selected composers and guidelines can be found here: CoMA Open Score Guidelines (PDF)
December 2025 – January 2026: composers work on their pieces and receive a mentoring session with CoMA West Midlands conductor Sara Caneva, and composer/viola player James McIlwrath on 10 January, taking place online.
February 2026: composers submit their finished pieces. Young performers join CoMA West Midlands for a rehearsal session (date, time and venue tbc).
10am – 4pm, 22 March 2026: Composers and young performers join CoMA West Midlands for a full-day workshop. The group will spend time on each of the composers’ pieces before performing all works in an informal sharing at the end of the day (venue tbc).
This opportunity is a new branch of CoMA’s Mysounds programme which gives young musicians the chance to explore different methods of making music, try out new creative ideas and to meet and collaborate with other young musicians from diverse backgrounds.
Who can apply?
You must be:
- aged between 16-18 years old as of March 2026
- resident in the County of West Midlands (including City of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, and the City of Wolverhampton, as well as the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall)
- able to attend the full-day workshop on Sunday 22 March 2026 at an accessible venue in central Birmingham
To apply, please complete the form below by 11.59pm on Tuesday 14 November 2025.
Mysounds + CoMA West Midlands application form
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Tuesday 21 November 2025.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including those from the Global Majority, d/Deaf and Disabled people, LGBTQIA+ and those from working-class backgrounds.
This opportunity is free of charge for participants and we can offer travel assistance if needed. CoMA is able to provide further assistance to cover access costs for any participants who may require this. Please contact Francesca (francesca@coma.org) for more information.
Selection process
In the event that more composers and performers apply than spots available, we will base our selections on applicants’ answers to the application form question: “Why would you like to take part and how do you feel you will benefit?”
As places are limited, we regret we may not be able to accept everyone who applies. We kindly ask for your understanding. Composers who are not selected this time are welcome to join as an instrumentalist and CoMA West Midlands are open to working with all composers and performers who apply in the future.
If you have any questions, please email francesca@coma.org
We look forward to receiving your application!
Mysounds with CoMA West Midlands is generously supported by the Philips Bates Trust and Arts Council England.