We only accept application via our online portal. For each course, you need to provide up to three links to video or audio recordings of you that show your current level of expertise. We also ask all applicants for a short “about me” video to help us get to know you, why you’re applying and to learn about how this opportunity will help you in this impersonal format. The Britten Pears Young Artist Programme is an artist development programme, it is important for us to hear how this opportunity will help your journey, growth and development. Please find application requirements for each 2023-24 course below.

As our courses require tailored applications, you are only able to apply for one course at a time. If you wish to submit applications for more than one course, you will need to register with a separate email address and submit another application.

We particularly encourage applications from those who are from marginalised backgrounds based on any protected characteristics including age, race, gender identity or sexuality, neurodivergence, disability or long term health condition, pregnancy, maternity, religion or belief, and class background or class identity.

All applications are reviewed by our rotating panel of internationally recognised artists and staff at Britten Pears Arts and other partner organisations. There are no application fees, all applicants receive feedback on their application regardless of whether they are successful.

A full list of reviewers, and information on the reviewing process can be found here.

The application period is from 9 January – 16 February. We will provide results to all applicants by 18:00 on 7 April 2023. Feedback for all applications will be sent out as soon as possible after this, though realistically it might take us until the end of June.

Application Guidelines

To be considered, please fill in all sections of the application form and submit the following where prompted to do so:

• A scan of your passport (or another form of ID)
• Your biography or CV
• Up to three recordings (audio and/or video) showing your work. Please make sure these are relevant to the course you are applying to
• A two-three minute 'About Me' Video: One video, up to three minutes, of you talking to camera. Help us get to know you in this impersonal format and find out why you are applying for the programme. What would you bring to the programme and how would it help you?

English Song – Performers
Submit up to three recordings (audio and/or video) of your work and an “about me” video. Try to show us a selection of repertoire so we can understand your technique across a range of languages and styles. This should include at least one example of art song sung in English.

English Song – Composers
Submit up to three examples of your work (PDFs of scores, where possible supported by up to three audio or video recordings of your work) that show your current level of expertise and an “about me” video. Handwritten scores are welcome.

English Song – Poets
Submit up to three examples of your work (PDFs of your work, with optional audio or video recordings of your work) that show your current level of expertise and an “about me” video. Handwritten scores are welcome.

Conductor as Dramaturg
Submit up to three recordings (video only) of your work and an “about me” video. Try to show us a selection of recordings that represent your current level of expertise and at least one would preferably demonstrate your facility with contemporary repertoire. Especially given the interruptions to performances due to the pandemic, we understand if one or more of your recordings is not with a professional orchestra.

Composition Alternative Performance and Performance Art (CAPPA)
Submit up to three recordings (audio and/or video) that reflect what you’re doing as an artist at the moment. This may include uploading scores to support your application where appropriate. These should demonstrate your technical qualities and your interest in contemporary music making (whether contemporary classical music, experimental music, improvisation or cross-genres). Use the “about me” video to tell us about yourself, why you want to do this course and what you hope to get out of it.

VOICEBOX
Submit up to three recordings (audio and/or video) that reflect what you’re doing as a vocalist at the moment. These should demonstrate your technical proficiency and your interest in contemporary vocal performance (whether contemporary classical music, experimental music, improvisation or cross-genres). Use the “about me” video to tell us about yourself, why you want to do this course and what you hope to get out of it.

Chamber Futures
Submit up to three pieces (audio and/or video) performed by your ensemble and an “about me” video. Showcase the repertoire that interests you as an ensemble, for this course this should include at least one example of contemporary repertoire written in the 20^th or 21^st century showing your interest in new music.

Chamber Music in Residence
Submit up to three pieces (audio and/or video) performed by your ensemble and an “about me” video. Showcase the repertoire that interests you as an ensemble and shows the direction you would like to go in, whilst allowing us to assess your playing as an ensemble.

Drop-In Sessions

Would you like to ask us any questions about your application? Book a 15-minute drop-in session. These will run every week but are limited, so we won’t be able to offer sessions to all applicants.

To book a session, fill in this form.

If you’d like us to provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, please let us know in the relevant section of the form.

Sessions will be offered within the below time slots (UK Time):

Tuesday 10 January 11:00 – 13:00

Thursday 12 January 15:30 – 17:30

Tuesday 17 January 11:00 – 13:00

Thursday 19 January 15:30 – 17:30

Tuesday 24 January 11:00 – 13:00

Thursday 26 January 15:30 – 17:30

Tuesday 7 February 11:00 – 13:00

Tuesday 14 February 11:00 – 13:00