summer music staff programme

the summer programme

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BYO has been running a summer programme since the 1980s, and you'll definitely recognise the names of many of alumni, such as Edward Gardner. The premise is simple – emerging music staff, as part of their journey into professionals careers, bring an entire opera to life alongside participants from other career paths. With guidance from established professionals, participants improve their confidence, build stronger professional behaviours in a real-word rehearsal environment, and start to build connections with peers and figures in the wider industry.

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“My time with BYO was hugely valuable. I was in the middle of a conducting course with limited experience, to spend the summer working at a professional level with great singers and guidance was exactly what I needed. I still think of my time there as the first proper opera production I worked on.”
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– Edward Gardner, former music director at ENO

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The 2027 programme

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Our 2027 programme centres on a production of Purcell's Dido & Aeneas, and has two strands:

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• Creator strand – in response to emerging conductors repeatedly telling us that they need creative opportunities – to flex their muscles and create their own work – we set up the creator strand. There is only one place on offer, and you'll effectively take on the responsibility of the production's conductor. You'll need to be confident working with singers as well as conducting an orchestra. With professional guidance and advice where you need it, and the resources of a full-scale production, you'll be able to bring your creative vision to life.
• Collaborator strand – you'll take on the role of repetiteur in the rehearsal room, gaining experience and growing your skills in a safe, supportive environment.

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who can apply

Anybody is welcome to apply for our music staff programme – there are no formal entry requirements – but you should have advanced training and experience in either piano (for the collaborator) or conducting (for the creator).

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You should make sure you have the right visa arrangements to complete our programmes.

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Key dates  

• xxxx October 2026 – applications close
• 8 and 9 December – interviews and working sessions in London
• from December 2026 and into January 2027 – places on our programmes are offered
• July – rehearsals and studio sessions
• 17–20 August – performances at Battersea Arts Centre

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financials

To submit an application you'll need to be a member of BYO hub (£33 a year), but taking part in our summer programmes is completely free, and you'll receive a £xxx bursary to help with living costs during your time with us. Creator strand participants may be entitled to enhanced bursaries to support them through their pre-rehearsal work. If you're coming from outside London we may also be able to help you with accommodation.

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applications and auditions

To apply, just hit the button at the bottom of this page. There is a single application form for all 2027 programmes for music staff – take a look at our Serena Fenwick programme for conductors and consider if you want to apply for that at the same time (you won't be able to go back and apply later on).  

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After the application deadline we will shortlist applicants and invite those successful ones to an interview or working session in London – you'll be told what to expect in that email. If invited, you'll need to attend in person. Offers on places on our programmes will be sent out via email shortly afterwards.