We are looking for an Ensemble in Residence to join us for the full length of Sound and Music’s In the Making 2025 residential, working closely with our cohort of 50 participants aged 14–18.
Taking place at the University of Huddersfield from Sunday 3 – Friday 8 August 2025, the residential week brings together 50 young artists from across the UK to explore new sounds and develop their creative voice. The Ensemble in Residence will work closely with participants to collaboratively develop, rehearse, perform and record their new compositions during the week.
Applications close on Monday 26 May 2025 at midnight.
The role of the Ensemble
Supporting development of new work
- To work with Key Tutors in supporting 50 young composers and music creators to create new works, rotating between four groups in classroom-style settings
- To play and workshop pieces across a range of styles, offering creative and practical input
- To work creatively with participants making electronic music, for example recording samples
- To contribute to an inclusive and creative atmosphere, participating fully in the week-long intensive residential
Recording and performance
- To record and perform student works at an end-of-week showcase
- Potentially to deliver one evening workshop or performance, to be devised in collaboration with the Sound and Music team
- To record a set of educational video resources in collaboration with the Sound and Music team
We are also open to hearing ideas from ensembles about what they would like to bring to the programme.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a group of high-quality musicians with a strong interest in working with young creators. We are open to any instrumentation or line-up and are particularly interested in hearing from ensembles and players in the earlier stages of their careers, or who are at a pivotal stage in their professional or creative development.
General attributes
- Ability to work openly, flexibly and creatively with young composers and creators working across different styles, forms, methods and notations
- Confidence in working with emerging ideas, works-in-progress and unfinished material
- Desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of young composers and creators
- Commitment to the safeguarding and wellbeing of young people
We will offer
- A total fee of £6,000 (inclusive of VAT)
- Accommodation in Huddersfield and catering/per diem
- Travel expenses covered within the UK
Individual players will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Sound and Music) and must commit to attending for the full duration of the residential at the University of Huddersfield from Sunday 3 August to Friday 8 August. We will not be able to accommodate deps without at least two months’ notice.
Send us a proposal
To express interest in taking part, please send us the following:
- At least two recordings (audio or video) or an online portfolio
- A list of players who will attend and instrumentation
- A short bio for the ensemble and/or players
- Links to your website and/or social media
Please also include a short proposal (max. 500 words), outlining:
- Why you would like to take part now: How would taking part contribute to developing your practice or your work as an ensemble right now?
- What you can bring to the programme: What is your vision for contributing meaningfully to the development of young composers and music creators?
- Any relevant experience working in community or educational contexts, and/or working with composers on new works
Applications close on Monday 26 May 2025 at midnight.
About In the Making
In the Making is the UK’s only year-long artist development programme for talented young music creators and composers aged 14–18. It supports those passionate about making music in any form and is open to all, regardless of instrument, musical interests, creative goals, background, or location.
The programme brings together 50 young music creators from across the UK for a week-long residential at the University of Huddersfield where they will create, record and perform their own original new music and access a wealth of workshops, learning sessions and career development.
They are guided by artists, top composers, industry professionals and tutors throughout the week and then during their subsequent 12-month virtual journey, transforming their composing and performing skills while building their confidence, experience, and creative ambition.
Contact us
If you have any questions about In the Making or the role of the Ensemble in Residence, please contact Clare Spollen, Creative Programme Leader (Young People) at: Clare.Spollen@soundandmusic.org
In the Making champions inclusion and accessibility. We particularly encourage applications from disabled-led groups and those who are underrepresented in the music sector.
Learn more about In the Making
Read Eva’s In the Making case study
Watch the In the Making 2024 Showcase