Ulster Orchestra Professional Experience Scheme

Applications for this year’s Ulster Orchestra Professional Experience Scheme are now open and close at noon on Friday, 6 June 2025.

The Professional Experience Scheme (PES) is designed for musicians who have left school and are studying/planning to study music at tertiary level, or have recently graduated, and are considering a career as an orchestral musician. 

Three times between November 2025 and May 2026, PES students will come to Belfast to join Ulster Orchestra in rehearsals, and where appropriate, be invited to play in concerts.

During these visits students will receive support and feedback from a dedicated mentor in the Orchestra, including one-to-one lessons with their mentor, develop skills in auditioning, orchestral section playing, and after specialist training with UO Animateur Jonathan Simmance, participate in the UO’s Learning and Community Engagement projects, as well as taking part in a variety of other opportunities aimed at developing them personally and professionally. 

The PES students will visit the Ulster Orchestra together as a cohort and each visit will include a group session for all students and their mentors, to provide collective support and encouragement throughout the Season. 

Students are paid the full professional rate for their participation in performances. There is no charge to participate in the scheme and your flights and accommodation will be paid for by the Ulster Orchestra.

PES is run in partnership with Ulster Youth Orchestra and Black Lives in Music. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Application Process:

There will be a two-step audition process. 

• Applicants should submit a video audition of the unaccompanied instrument-relevant piece (click here) by 12 noon on Friday, 6 June 2025 (see further details in ‘how to apply’). 
• Successfully shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a live audition on 28 August 2025 in the Orchestra’s residence in Townsend Street, Belfast. 

The live audition will be informal and relaxed in nature and there will be an opportunity for feedback post-audition for all applicants. For this audition, you will be asked to prepare some music chosen by the panel of Ulster Orchestra musicians. 

Eligibility 

• Applicants must be aged 18 and over by 1 September 2025 and resident in the UK or Ireland.
• Places are available for the standard orchestral string, woodwind, brass and percussion groups.

Ulster Orchestra particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities.  

​How to Apply: 

Complete the following Application and Monitoring Form before the closing date of 12 noon Friday, 6 June 2025 including: 

• A video recording, please ensure this is in the form of a private YouTube link. 
• ​An up-to-date CV, please ensure this is in the form of a downloadable link to Google/One Drive.  

If you have any questions about the scheme, application process or would like further information, please contact Ruth Millar, Orchestra Manager at ruth@ulsterorchestra.com.

If you have any accessibility needs or require assistance at any point of this application, subsequent auditions or during the scheme itself, please don’t hesitate to contact Ulster Orchestra.