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We are looking for four young composers in the early stages of their career who are passionate about writing for vocal ensembles, and are excited about working with young voices. Our Young Composers will work with professional composer-mentors, alongside our partners at Dorico, Stainer & Bell, ABRSM, NMC Recordings and Britten Pears Arts, and write new works for the National Youth Choirs.

The scheme is designed to support emerging composers from a broad range of musical backgrounds and genres, and we actively encourage applications from those working in ways which are not ‘traditionally choral’ or acoustic.  Applicants do not have to have undertaken formal education or training, be a published composer, or have formal music qualifications. Candidates should be aspiring young composers aged 18+ on 1 September 2024 and under 30 on 31st August 2025

What can I expect?

• A one-year bespoke training programme, built around you
• An opportunity to learn and develop your work with top professionals and educators in your field, and to get hands-on experience working with the National Youth Choirs and programmes
• Support in building a career as a choral specialist, developing your networks and your knowledge of the industry
• Opportunities to take part in activity across all three programmes and to learn and work with your fellow Emerging Professional Artists, giving you broad and in-depth experience of choral education, performance and creation
• Education and support from our incredible range of industry partners, including Dorico, Stainer & Bell, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Association of Teachers of Singing, Association of British Choral Directors and NMC Recordings
• Financial assistance is available for travel expenses for attending application activities like in-person interviews

What’s the time commitment?

• This programme will run from February 2025 to February 2026
• There will be regular in person and online sessions, which you should be able to fit around other commitments
• You will take part in residential activities with our choirs during the spring and summer holidays

Will it cost me anything?

• No! This is a fully funded programme, so it won’t cost you a penny to take part
• We will cover travel expenses for all in person activities (including application interviews), and overnight accommodation where necessary
• There may also be opportunities to engage in paid work through the programme

Notes for all candidates

• The National Youth Choir is committed to building an inclusive community. We are particularly keen to encourage young people from backgrounds currently underrepresented in choral music to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, musicians from Black, Asian and other global majority backgrounds, and Disabled musicians
• You do not need to have any previous affiliation with National Youth Choir
• All Emerging Professional Artists must be based in the UK
• Candidates should not be in full-time formal education during the programme. This includes full-time undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. We recognise that some education e.g. research-based study may be more flexible, and candidates on such programmes are eligible to apply
• When shortlisting, we will prioritise candidates who we think are at the right point in their development for the scheme to provide most benefit
• Our aspiration is that Emerging Professional Artists can be engaged professionally with National Youth Choir, following successful completion of the schemes

How do I apply?

• Please complete the online application form by midday on Monday 16th September 2024.
• On the first page of the form, you will find the list of things you’ll need to submit for the application form including any text or videos. You will need to complete the form in one go (you can’t save and return later) so you may want to write some of your application and source videos before you start filling in the form.
• Please contact us at any time to discuss any access requirements we can accommodate as part of your application process. We welcome applications in text, audio or video formats.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person workshop and/or interview. Financial assistance is available to cover interview travel expenses. Young Composers will be invited to attend an online interview on the morning of either Thursday 26 or Friday 27 September

VIEW APPLICATION FORM

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