Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship
Our Emerging Musicians Fellowship is a vital, paid development opportunity for early-career orchestral musicians.
Offering an immersive experience of professional orchestral life on and off the platform, plus £2,750, it gives early-career musicians a true taste of what their future career has in store.
In the 2027-28 season, we'll welcome four Fellowship Musicians into the heart of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for five periods of work spread across the year. Following an induction, Fellowship Musicians will rehearse and perform alongside the Orchestra for three intensive week-long patches. During that time, they’ll also take part in musical and non-musical training, and our education work too.
Applications open: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Applications close: Friday 13 November 2026 (23:59)
To find out more about what the year involves, who we're looking for and how the audition process works, check out our Application Pack.
Who can apply?
We’re recruiting four Fellowship Musicians, and we’re looking for applications on:
Strings
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Woodwind
Oboe
Oboe with Cor Anglais
Cor Anglais with Oboe
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet with Clarinet
Eb Clarinet with Clarinet
Eb and Bass Clarinet with Clarinet
Brass
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba
The programme’s designed to suit musicians who are at the standard required to play in a professional orchestra, but at an early stage in their orchestral career – you could be in higher education, just graduated or thinking about a career change to include orchestral performance. To find out more about whether this opportunity is right for you and where you’re up to in your career, have a read through the Application Pack above.
To apply, you must be aged 18+ on 23 September 2026, but the programme has no upper age limit. You'll also need to be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK – we'll ask for proof of this during the application process.
Who we're looking for…
Alongside your playing, we're looking for Fellowship Musicians who share our values and vision:
- You do your best work with others. Orchestral playing is a team game, and you'll be working closely with our musicians, our Learning & Health teams and our communities.
- You're open and curious. You'll be asking questions constantly, and every one of them is welcome.
- You're brave enough to try new things. Some of this year will push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll explore new things in a space where you’ll receive feedback and support.
- You want to learn. A desire to grow and a real passion for music matter more to us than a finished CV.
Positive Action
Our Orchestra and industry still aren't as diverse as the society around us. We're moving in the right direction, but we'd like to move faster.
We’ll prioritise applications from emerging musicians from backgrounds currently underrepresented in UK orchestras. Where you declare a protected characteristic – race, gender, socio-economic status, disability or sexual orientation – and meet all the criteria in the first round of the application process, you're guaranteed a live audition.
How the process works
Thinking of applying? Great decision.
First things first, you'll need to record a video audition following the requirements for your instrument, then complete the application form.
If your application is successful, you'll be invited to our live auditions here in Liverpool, taking place between 26-29 April 2027.
There's lots more information about recording your audition video, the application process and what comes next in the Application Pack above.
And if you’re ready to start your application, you can find all the audition excerpts you’ll need below:
Any questions?
Check out our FAQs below, or come along to our online Q&A session.
This is an informal chat about the Fellowship, where you can find out more about the programme and the application process. Ask whatever you’d like to know, no question is too small!
It’ll be led by Ian Fair, a viola player in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and one of the Lead Musicians on the Fellowship, and Montserrat Fuentes Romero, Projects Manager for the Emerging Musicians Programme.
Q&A session via Zoom
Monday 5 October, 18:30
Zoom link:
Join the Q&A Session
Meeting ID: 816 0799 5777
Passcode: 251897
FAQs
When do applications close?
Applications close on Friday 13 November at 23:59. Please make sure you apply in plenty of time – we won’t be able to accept any late applications, and we can’t be responsible for any applications that don’t reach us.
Can I apply on more than one instrument?
Yes, of course. You’ll just need to submit one application per instrument – all the details are included in the Application Pack. Just to note though, we’ll only be offering one place per instrument.
What is the difference between Oboe, Oboe and Cor Anglais and Cor Anglais and Oboe?
Great question!
Oboe is for those who only want to perform on the Oboe.
Oboe with Cor Anglais is for those who wish to mostly play Oboe, but might play one or two pieces on Cor Anglais over the year.
Cor Anglais with Oboe is just the other way round – mainly focusing on Cor Anglais, but will also occasionally play the Oboe.
I don't own one of the instruments listed. Can I still apply?
Yes! But you’ll need to be able to borrow one for the audition and also for the time you'd need it throughout the Fellowship year.
I've had orchestral trials. Am I eligible?
If you've had several and you're playing consistently with professional orchestras already, this possibly isn’t the right fit for you. If you’re unsure, just get in touch.
How much does it cost to apply?
Nothing – we don't want money to be a barrier for anyone. If you're invited to a Round 2 audition in Liverpool, we'll contribute up to £50 towards your travel, and we're happy to talk through individual circumstances.
Can I apply if I'm still studying?
Yes, as long as you're playing at the right level. Just to note though, you'd need to be able to take time out of your studies for the Fellowship dates, and also be 18+ on 23 September 2026.
Do I need to be a UK citizen?
No, but you do need to show you have the right to work in the UK. We'll ask for this as part of the application process.
Do I need to speak English fluently?
You'll need a good working understanding of English. Rehearsals and mentor sessions are in English, and rehearsals move fast!
Where does the Fellowship take place?
Mostly here in Liverpool, at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. During your patch weeks, you might also work in other venues around the city, and our Learning & Health programmes will take you out into the community.
Sometimes Fellowship activity might take place elsewhere in the UK, but you’ll be notified about that in advance.
Will I be paid?
You'll receive a fee of £2,750 for the year, paid in five equal instalments. It's intended to cover the costs of your patches, including travel, accommodation and food, and we can provide additional support where it's needed.
The Fellowship isn't a full-time course, and it isn't employment/equivalent to employment with us. As a Fellowship Musician, you’d be contracted as a freelance musician for the duration of the patches of work in Liverpool.
Is accommodation provided?
We'll provide one night's accommodation for the induction. After that, you’ll need to book and pay for all other accommodation throughout the year.
How do I record the Round 1 video?
The Application Pack has all the information you’ll need. In short, it must be filmed in one continuous take on a mobile phone, be completely unedited and you mustn’t speak on the recording. Using an external microphone isn’t allowed, and the recording must have been made in the past six months. The panel only hears the audio when shortlisting, though other staff will check that the video meets the specifications first. For more details, have a read through the Application Pack.
What do I need to play?
All the audition requirements, including excerpts, are on this page – simply download the audition pack for your instrument.
I can't make the Round 2 audition date. What can I do?
We’re sorry, but due to the Orchestra’s busy schedule, we can't offer any alternative dates or times.
Will there be sightreading?
You might be asked to perform a short piece of unprepared sightreading during Round 2 auditions.
Will I get feedback?
Yes. All eligible applicants get feedback on their orchestral excerpts, though you may not get feedback on your audition piece.
I have a question that isn't answered here.
No problem! Come along to our Zoom Q&A session (details above) or get in touch with Montserrat Fuentes Romero, Learning Projects Manager –montserrat.romero@liverpoolphil.com