Philharmonia MMSF Instrumental Fellowship Programme

The Philharmonia MMSF Instrumental Fellowship Programme is an extensive training offer for young musicians, supporting those instrumentalists who are specifically seeking an orchestral career and connecting them to the wider life of the Philharmonia and the expertise within its membership.

Applications for the 2023/24 scheme will be opening around November/December 2022.

To find out more about applying for the Philharmonia MMSF Instrumental Fellowship Programme, please refer to the below guidelines and FAQs page. Alternatively, please email emergingartists@philharmonia.co.uk

We want to invest in talented instrumentalists who are pursuing an orchestral career. To be eligible for the Philharmonia MMSF Fellowship Programme, you must be able to demonstrate in your application an interest in an orchestral career, and some experience of working in an orchestral setting.

We want to support artists who have the potential to build a sustainable professional career and you will be asked to describe how the Philharmonia MMSF Fellowship Programme would make a significant difference to you. You should consider the impact the Fellowship would make to both your creative development and long-term career aims. Philharmonia is dedicated to diversifying our audiences, programmes and staff. We welcome and encourage applicants from communities that are currently underrepresented in orchestras.  We actively invite applicants to declare their underrepresented characteristics on their application form.

The Philharmonia MMSF Fellowship Programme is a one or two year scheme, depending on instrument type. The panel will review all submitted information and will be asked to consider:

• Your artistic achievements to date and the impact you are currently making in your studies and work
• The impact a Fellowship would have for you as a prospective orchestral musician
• How/if Philharmonia Orchestra/Philharmonia mentors can work with you to develop as an orchestral musician

Age

The MMSF Fellowship welcomes applicants from across their studies.  Applicants must be over the age of 18 and in full or part-time education, or no more than 18 months out of full or part-time education at the point of applying. You will need to be able to demonstrate this clearly on your application form.

Nationality

The Philharmonia MMSF Instrumental Fellowship Programme is open to applicants of all nationalities. However, if you are from overseas, you will need to demonstrate that you are still in education and will be for the duration of the Fellowship, with a valid visa (if applicable). Philharmonia is not able to cover the cost of overseas travel for auditions or beyond into the Fellowship.

References

If you are selected for a second-round audition, we will ask for two references to support your application.

Through this scheme we are unable to consider applications for:

• Formal courses of study, training or research (including postgraduate degrees)
• Lessons with your regular teacher
• Costs associated with participating in competitions or showcases

• One-off performances, touring or recording costs
• Instrument or equipment purchase
• Any costs incurred prior to a grant being offered

The MMSF Instrumental Fellowship Programme is supported by The Sidney Perry Foundation, The John S Cohen Foundation, The Oliver Green Memorial Trust, The Emanuel Hurwitz Chamber Music Charitable Trust.