What is ‘Young Talent in Oxford’?

Oxfordshire’s professional symphony orchestra, Oxford Philomusica, and the Oxfordshire County Music Service have combined their skills and expertise to provide opportunities that are essential to a musician’s overall development. They include playing with a professional orchestra and solo and chamber music performances.

Apprenticeship Scheme

Apprenticeship Scheme specialises in orchestral training and offers coaching and the chance to play in a rehearsal alongside professional musicians. more

Young Artists’ Platform

Young Artists’ Platform offers an outstanding soloist or chamber ensemble the chance to play in a short recital in the Sheldonian Theatre. You can apply for one or both schemes.

Who is it for?

Do you want to pursue a performance career? It is open to instrumentalists (including pianists and singers) prior to studying at music college or university. You will need to have achieved Grade 8+ or the equivalent on your instrument, be resident in Oxfordshire and not over nineteen years old.

Comments from previous Apprentices

'It was such an incredible experience to play with an adult professional orchestra and I learnt so much during the rehearsal.’ Gilly McMullin

‘I gained a great deal, from practising auditioning to the chance to perform in one of the most incredible concert halls I’ve ever seen.’ Clifford Carr

Apprenticeship Scheme

Professional Orchestra Playing and Coaching

Up for playing with a Professional orchestra? Join Oxford Philomusica and sit side by side our players as part of the Apprenticeship Scheme. You will be invited to play a piece with the orchestra in a rehearsal before an evening concert. You’ll get the music beforehand (to practise the tricky bits) and be coached in a special session. Your desk partner or section leader will give you guidance and will also write your report. A free ticket will be given to you so that you can hear the evening’s performance.

How do I apply?

Fill in the application form and be sure to tick the box on the application saying that you would like to audition for the Apprenticeship Scheme.

Audition

This will be held on Saturday 16 October 2010 at The Centre for Music, Bayards’ Hill School, Oxford from 1.30 – 4.30 pm. You should prepare two contrasting pieces or movements and provide your own accompanist if needed. There will be sight reading from standard orchestral repertoire which will be available to look at thirty minutes prior to the audition.

Young Artists’ Platform

Chamber Music or Solo Recital in the Sheldonian Theatre

Showcase your talent at Oxford’s world-renowned venue of the Sheldonian Theatre in our Young Artists’ Platform recital. The stage is yours whether it is for solo or chamber performance prior to one of the orchestra’s evening performances. Get your name known to Oxford’s distinguished audiences and kick start you performance career. We will make sure you are fully prepared by providing coaching beforehand. This will be with one of the musicians from the orchestra. Plus we will throw in a ticket for the evening’s performance so your family or friends can admire your hard work. Afterwards you will receive a small award to apply towards your instrument lessons.

How do I apply?

Please return the attached form and include a copy of your Grade 8 report and a recommendation from your teacher. If you are playing in an ensemble please must provide the names, grade levels and instruments of the other players in the group. Concert Audition The Young Artists’ Platform audition will take the form of an evening concert at 7.30pm on 16 October at The Centre for Music. Each performer and/or ensemble will be invited to perform for a maximum of ten minutes. Concert tickets cost £6 and include a glass of wine.