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The National Youth Choir offers three exciting and innovative development schemes for Emerging Professional Artists each year:

• The FELLOWS programme offers professional training for young choral performers, educators and leaders.
• The YOUNG CONDUCTORS programme creates opportunities for young music leaders to get professional training and hands-on conducting experience.
• The YOUNG COMPOSERS programme supports young people who are committed to developing as professional composers, and who have a passion for creating high-quality, imaginative new music for vocal ensembles.

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.

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Find out more about each programme

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What's the time commitment?

• Each 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 for your programme by midday on Monday 16th September 2024.
• On the first page of each 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.
  • Fellows & Young Conductors will be invited to attend an in-person workshop and interview in early autumn 2024.
  • Young Composers will be invited to attend an online interview in September 2024, likely 26-27th September.

Got questions or need support submitting your application?

If you have questions about elegibility for the programmes, access needs or anything else, please get in touch with Rebecca Anderson by emailing [email protected] or calling 0191 820 0276