Composers’ Academy

Composers’ Academy is an established programme for exceptional, diverse, young musicians who are looking for the opportunity to develop their skills as composers and to create a new 10-minute piece as part of the Philharmonia’s Music of Today contemporary music series.

A percussionist playing the tubular bells

How to apply

Applications for the three places in the 2022/23 cohort are open now until Monday 5 September 2022, 9am.

To apply, please fill out this online application form.

This form asks for the following information alongside general demographics of the artist:

Links to three compositions (both sound file and score). Please note that any private links should be made accessible to anyone with the link. The link will be shared with the selection panel.
Website and/or social media handles
A cover letter (maximum 1,500 words) detailing:
- Your background and work as a composer
- Challenges you have faced in becoming a composer
- Why you have applied for this programme
- What specific benefits you hope to gain from the programme

Learn more about eligibility, the programme’s timeline and more in the application pack here.
Please note that only UK residents are eligible to apply.

If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact contact our Emerging Artists inbox at
emergingartists@philharmonia.co.uk.

Listen to the recordings of our last cohort’s works

What Was Scattered by Hollie Harding

Pilgrim by Joel Järventausta

Clubland: X-Treme Euphoria by Jocelyn Campbell

“The recording process… was intense and glorious… I could not have had a better experience with the NMC, Patrick Bailey and the superbly talented, insightful and supportive players from the Philharmonia”

Hollie Harding, Composers’ Academy alumna 2019/20

210629_hoa_recording_credit_luca_migliore-012838 — Philharmonia players during a recording session with 2021/22 Featured Artist House of Absolute

For classical music to endure, it must be relevant to the widest possible audience. We must foster the talent and audiences of the future, supporting new works to be written and platforming diverse voices which can have a wider reach, as well as widening the talent pool, to ensure that the very best of classical music is being developed and shared.

The programme will begin with a series of workshops and masterclasses from Autumn 2022, leading to working closely with members of the Philharmonia to create and rehearse the new commission. Your programme journey will culminate in a live performance at Southbank Centre and a professionally produced recording.

We are committed to providing opportunities to underrepresented composers and, therefore, we will offer a place to at least one musician from a minority ethnic background, and at least one female and/or non-binary artist.