Last updated: 28 October 2025 

In Motion is one of our most competitive programmes. Each year, we receive hundreds of applications, and our panel works hard to score each application as equitable as possible. For In Motion 2025 we received over 450 applications, of which only 45 applicants were selected to progress to the next application stage. 

The feedback below outlines broad reasons why applications may not have been successful at this stage. Please note that this is not personalised feedback for any specific application. For applicants invited to Phase 2 of the process but not progressed further, we do provide personalised feedback at that stage. 

In keeping with our Fair Access Principles, we are committed to supporting all applicants by offering constructive feedback upon request. This year, we introduced a streamlined application and feedback process designed to reduce the time required for composers to apply and to enable our small team to provide timely and meaningful feedback to those not selected.   

In Phase 1, we asked you to answer two specific questions and share two examples of your work. 

We have identified below six common reasons why applications are not selected at this stage. If your application was unsuccessful, we will highlight the areas where your application could have been stronger, and which factors may have led to other applications being preferred.  

Please note that not all points outlined below may apply to your specific application. 

Ineligible applications

A small number of applications may have been marked as ineligible and therefore not assessed by the panel. Some of the reasons an application is ineligible are: 

  • Sufficient information was not provided in response to the questions, preventing the panel from assessing the application against the criteria (e.g., one or more questions were empty or with very low word count) 
  • Responses exceeded the word count significantly
  • Instead of submitting a link to a work, you submitted a link that directed the panel to general websites or archives with no clear indication of what to listen to 

If your application was ineligible, we will tell you the reason in the email. 

Broken links

A small number of applications may have links that are broken, in accessible, or not viewable by the panel. Some of the reasons we may not be able to access a link include: 

  • The link is incorrect (returns no results)
  • The link takes us to the correct page but the file has been removed (e.g. SoundCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
  • The file is not shared and needs permissions to view
  • It is a Vimeo link for an unrated video that requires login
  • It is a Spotify link (we outline in our guidance that we are unable to listen to Spotify links without an account)
  • The work is in a password-protected page but the password you provided doesn't work]
  • You provided two links to the same work, or the same link twice
  • You provided a link to a video but it didn't have any sound

Clarifying the step-change you want to achieve  

For example, your application could have been strengthened by: 

  • Being more specific about what is the step change you wish to undertake
  • Highlighting a new direction or shift in your practice, rather than focusing on progressing existing projects or material
  • Outlining more clearly how this is a step-change for you rather than a set of distinct or unconnected new skills or approaches
  • Emphasising a shift in your practice over a specific project idea 
  • Clearly articulating why this step change is important to you artistically 

Identifying areas for development  

For example, your application could have been strengthened by:  

  • Clearly outlining specific areas you want to develop or grow in 
  • Focusing on a broader step change rather than incremental progress in an already established direction 
  • Explaining how In Motion specifically aligns with your intended growth

Articulating the impact on your artistic/professional practice

For example, your application could have been strengthened by: 

  • Clearly explaining the changes or growth you hope to see in your practice after completing the programme
  • Connecting your intended areas of growth to your longer-term goals
  • Describing internal or external barriers you face and how this programme is well-suited to supporting you

Aligning your musical works with your intentions 

For example, your application could have been strengthened by: 

  • Clearly explaining the ideas, themes, or emotions you aim to express in your musical works and how these intentions are reflected in your compositions
  • Demonstrating through your submitted examples your artistic intentions for your development

When reviewing applications at this Phase, we also considered the range and balance of applicants we aim to support. Our goal is to support artists from a diverse array of backgrounds, artforms, disciplines, geographical regions, and stage in their career. 

We hope this feedback provides helpful insights as you consider reapplying to In Motion or to other programmes. Due to the high volume of applications received in Phase 1, we are unable to provide more detailed or personalised feedback at this stage. For any applicants who are invited to proceed to Phase 2 and are unsuccessful, we provide more detailed and personalised feedback across both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the application.