There are four places available for the 2024-25 Fellowship. We welcome applications from the following instruments: 

• Strings: Violin, Viola 
• Woodwind: Flute, Piccolo with Flute, Bassoon, Contrabassoon with Bassoon  
• Brass: Trumpet, French Horn 
• Percussion & Timpani  

Candidates can apply for more than one instrument where relevant.
Please note we will not offer more than one place per instrument.

You will be an emerging orchestral musician who is performing at the standard required to play in a professional orchestra, and may:  

• Be in part- or full-time higher education with commitment to pursue orchestral music performance    
• Be recently out of higher education but not yet established in an orchestral career 
• Be considering a career change/move into orchestral work    
• Have not yet established an orchestral career  

We acknowledge that our Orchestra and our industry is not fully reflective of the diverse society in which we live. Therefore, at Round 1, we are taking Positive Action to prioritise applications from emerging musicians from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in UK orchestras. Where applicants declare a protected characteristic (race, gender, socio-economic status, disability, or sexual orientation), and meet all the required criteria at Round 1 (including performance and supplementary criteria), these applicants will be guaranteed a live audition in Round 2. 

You must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applicants should be aged 18+ on 19 June 2024.  There is no upper age limit. 

We are looking for Fellows who commit to our values and: 

• Are striving towards excellence in their playing.  
• Are a team player, and able and willing to immerse themselves within Liverpool Philharmonic and all that we do.  
• Are welcoming – they will be an ambassador for Liverpool Philharmonic in our communities, within the sector, and to future Fellowship Musicians.
• Must be able to demonstrate a desire for learning, personal development and a passion for music.  

Round 1 – Application form and video audition

You can apply in 2 simple steps:  

• Record a video of your audition as per the guidelines within the Application Pack. Upload videos onto YouTube and share links with us on the application form.   

• Complete the online application form. There is the option to do this on video if that is preferred.  

At Round 1, your audition will include orchestral excerpts and a section or movement from a piece of standard solo repertoire (unaccompanied). 

Round 2 - Live auditions  

If you are successful in your initial application and audition in Round 1, you will be invited to attend a live audition in Liverpool. Provisional dates for these are as follows:   

• Monday 25 March 2024 (Strings) 
• Tuesday 26 March 2024 (Percussion) 
• Wednesday 27 March 2024 (Woodwind) 
• Thursday 28 March 2024 (Brass) 

Dates will be confirmed for each instrument as soon as possible. Applicants will need to be available between 10am – 4pm on the audition day. Live auditions will include an individual audition plus a group workshop or sectional with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. We will provide a travel contribution of up to £50 for each candidate attending Round 2 live auditions. 

How to apply

Download the application pack below for full details. Please note, applications will close at midday on Thursday 30 November 2023. 

If you have any additional queries, please review the FAQs below, or contact Nikita Richmond, Learning Projects Coordinator (Nikita.Richmond@liverpoolphil.com or call 07977 164794)   

Application Pack

Please use the following links to download the Audition Requirements for both Round 1 and 2. 

VIOLIN 

VIOLA 

FLUTE 

PICCOLO WITH FLUTE 

BASSOON 

CONTRABASSOON WITH BASSOON 

TRUMPET 

FRENCH HORN 

PERCUSSIN & TIMPANI  

If you would like more information about the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship 2024-25, please download the Application Pack for full details, criteria, timeline, and how to apply. Applications close at midday on Thursday 30 November 2023. 

If you have any additional queries, please review the FAQs below, or contact Nikita Richmond, Learning Projects Coordinator (Nikita.Richmond@liverpoolphil.com or call 07977 164794)  

• What is the closing date for applications? 

The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Thursday 30 November 2023. Late applications will not be accepted.  Liverpool Philharmonic accepts no responsibility for applications not received. 

• What instruments can I audition on?  

We will be offering four places and no more than one from each instrument group. 

You can audition on Violin, Viola, Flute, Piccolo with Flute, Bassoon, Contrabassoon with Basson, Trumpet, French Horn and Percussion & Timpani.  

• Can I apply on more than one instrument?  

Candidates can apply on more than one instrument where relevant (e.g. you could submit one application on flute and a separate application on piccolo with flute if you want to be considered for both instruments individually). 

• I don’t own one of the instruments listed (e.g. contrabassoon). Can I still apply on those instruments? 

Yes you can, as long as you are able to borrow one for the time required during the Fellowship.  

• I have had one orchestral trial – am I eligible?  

If you have had one trial we would encourage you to apply, but if you have had more trials, and are currently performing consistently with professional orchestras then this may not be the opportunity for you.  

• How much does it cost to apply?  

We do not want financial circumstances to be a barrier to anyone applying for this Fellowship, therefore it is free to apply. If you are invited to Round 2 live auditions in Liverpool, then a travel contribution of up to £50 will be provided. We will also be happy to discuss individual circumstances at Round 2 where appropriate. 

• Can I apply if I am still studying?  

Yes, if you are at a suitable performing level then you are eligible, but you would need to make sure you can take time out of your studies to participate in the Fellowship. Applicants must be 18+ on 19 June 2024. 

• Do I need to be a UK citizen?  

No, but you must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK, and proof of this will be required prior to confirmation of places on the Fellowship.  

• Do I need to speak English fluently?  

You will need to have a good command of English, as all rehearsals and mentor sessions will be in English. Rehearsals can be fast paced, so this will be essential.  

• Where will the sessions in the Fellowship take place?  

The Fellowship activities will mostly take place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, but will include other local venues in Liverpool.  

• Will I get paid if I am appointed as a Fellow?   

Fellowship Musicians will receive a fee of £2,000, paid in 5 instalments (after induction, after each subsequent patch of work, and at the end of the Fellowship). The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship is not a full-time course nor is it employment, or considered equivalent to employment by Liverpool Philharmonic. Fellowship Musicians will be contracted as freelance musicians, solely for the duration of the patches of work in Liverpool.  

• Will I be reimbursed for travel costs?  

Candidates invited to live auditions at Round 2 will be offered a travel contribution of up to £50.  

• Will accommodation be provided?  

We will provide accommodation for all Fellowship Musicians for one night as part of the induction.

• How do I record the Round 1 Audition video?  

See the Application Pack for full guidance on how to record your video. We will only accept videos filmed on mobile phones, that are unedited (single continuous take) and show clearly who is performing. The panel will only hear audio of the video during shortlisting, but videos will be watched by other internal staff to ensure they meet the required specifications before shortlisting. 

• I can only record my audition on a phone – is that ok?  

Yes, we are asking all applicants to record their audition on a phone.  

• What do I need to play as part of the audition?  

All audition requirements for each instrument are available to download on our website.  

• Where is the online application form?  

You can apply through our online form here. 

• I can’t make the Round 2 live audition date – what can I do?  

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the orchestral schedule, we are unable to offer any alternative dates or times for auditions.  

• Will there be sightreading in my audition?  

There will be a short piece of sightreading in the Round 2 auditions, which will be given to you to prepare in the warm up rooms.

• Will I be informed if I'm unsuccessful at Round 1, and will I receive any feedback? 

Yes, all candidates will be kept updated at all stages of recruitment. We aim to provide all candidates who have submitted a video audition with brief feedback on why they were unsuccessful. Candidates successfully reaching Round 2 live auditions will receive detailed feedback from the panel, even if they are not appointed as a Fellowship Musician. 

• I have another question not listed here.  

Please get in touch with Nikita Richmond, Learning Projects Coordinator (Nikita.Richmond@liverpoolphil.com or call 07977 164794)