2025 applications open:
23 September 2024

training for music staff

Our brand new programme for people following a career as a conductor, assistant conductor, music director or repetiteur.

two strands, one programme

create strand

The create strand is for advanced conductors. You're in charge, you're confident and accomplished in coaching and conducting and ready to take charge of a full rehearsal room.

collaborate strand

For assistant conductors and repetiteurs and people who are still learning, the collaborate strand is a way to build your knowledge, experience and confidence by working with your peers and a hand-picked selection of industry mentors.

the create strand

We did a lot of research in developing our new music staff programme, and what came up time and time again was that young conductors need to be conducting – they need opportunities to flex their creative muscles and conduct their own productions where they are in charge. It's the best way for them to learn, improve, and make a splash in the industry.

So our creator strand does just that. One participant (and for obvious reasons there is only one space on the strand), will join the programme just before Christmas and, under mentorship of an established conductor, will work on a site-specific production of The Rape of Lucretia alongside a director and designer on our parallel directing and set and costume design programmes. In July 2024, fully supported by a team of professionals, they'll bring that same production to life for four London performances.

the collaborate strand

You'll still need musical experience (particularly working with singers) and excellent repetiteur skills to get a place on the collaborator strand, but you'll also still be building basic skills and knowledge.

You'll be involved once in-person sessions start in July 2024. You’ll be paired with an established musician who will inspire and mentor you and give you tailored career support and advice. Much like an assistant conductor or repetiteur, you'll spend time in the rehearsal room, working with and learning from our creator strand and playing for rehearsals.

frequently asked questions

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Who is eligible to apply?

There are loads of different routes into a music staff career, so our minimum criteria are deliberately very low. But you must be over 18 and have a UK bank account in your name. Foreign applicants are welcome, but you must be able to satisfy those criteria. BYO isn't able to sponsor visas or offer advice.

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How much does it cost?

Taking part in any BYO programme is free, and there is no application fee beyond your membership to BYO hub.

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Are there bursaries or discounts on BYO hub membership?

We offer reduced or free BYO hub premium membership to care leavers, people granted asylum in the UK, people seeking asylum in the UK, full or part time carers, people with no immediate family or no connection to them, single parents, people with physical or mental disabilities and people with long term illnesses. Email hub@byo.org.uk to explain your circumstances. If your circumstances aren't listed but you feel like you need help, email us anyway.

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Is there financial support for taking part in programmes?

If you get a place on the programme you'll be able to apply for a minimum grant of £500 to help support you while you're on the programme.

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Do I need formal music qualifications?

Technically, no. However applicants to the creator strand will need to be able to conduct an ensemble and lead music rehearsals. Applicants to the collaborator strand will need to be able to accompany entire rehearsals so will need advanced piano skills and technique.

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Can I apply for both strands?

You'll be able to select which strand you're interested in when you apply. You can apply for both strands, but we recommend you read this page carefully – most people will find they comfortably fit into only one strand and are either over or under qualified for the other. If you're not sure then by all means select both – our selection panel will only offer you a place on a programme they think will benefit you.

how to apply

To be able to apply and audition for our music staff programme you need to have a premium hub membership. It costs just £33 a year and unlocks access to all applications and live and online events that run throughout the year. If you're not already a premium member you'll be asked to become one before you can fill out the application form.

After the closing date, the applications panel will shortlist some applicants for an interview and working session with an established conductor (this'll take place over Zoom).

applications not open yet