Foyle Future Firsts: application

The  London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Foyle Future Firsts annual apprenticeship programme helps to bridge the transition period between college and the professional platform for up to 16 outstanding young musicians.

Instruments accepted
Violin (2 places), viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone or bass trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, piano.

How to apply
The application process has now closed.
If you have not heard from us by the end of June, then your application has not been successful. We are sorry that we cannot contact all unsuccessful candidates.

If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact the Education department on 020 7840 4231 or email fff@lpo.org.uk

Please ensure that your application is fully completed. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Application Requirements
The Foyle Future Firsts programme is designed for musicians with undergraduate or postgraduate performance degrees. You should not apply if you will be undertaking your undergraduate degree in 2010/11.

If you do not have a performance degree but are able to perform to an equivalent standard, we require a written reference from your instrumental teacher to accompany your application. This can be downloaded below and must be submitted by the applicant’s instrumental teacher by the application deadline of Tuesday 18 May 2010.

Residence status
In order to participate in the scheme, you must either hold an EU passport, or have the right to reside in the UK throughout the 2010-2011 academic year.
 
If your application is successful, you will immediately be required to show proof of your right to reside in the UK throughout the 2010-2011 academic year. If you are not able to demonstrate your right to reside in the UK, you will not be accepted onto the Foyle Future Firsts Programme.

The Foyle Future Firsts programme was established by the London Philharmonic Orchestra as a vehicle to promote transition of British Conservatoire graduates from college into the profession. As such, we do not support or sponsor visa applications from applicants from outside the EU.

Bursary
The Foyle Future Firsts Scheme has a small bursary of £1000 attached to it. There is no financial support for travel or accommodation for Foyle Future Firsts participants. We require all Foyle Future Firsts participants to be present in the UK for the full year, and to attend all opportunities offered, of which the majority are unpaid. The bursary does not equate to employment by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Porterage
Please note that as a member of an apprenticeship programme, we are unable to pay porterage for any musicians. Double Bass, Tuba, Percussion and Harp players need to be aware that they will be expected to bring their instruments to rehearsals and other programme events and will not be financially supported to do so.

Auditions
Auditions will be held on the following dates:  5|7|8|13|18|20|28|29 July 2010
The audition requirements will be sent to successful applicants.
We will hold one day of auditions per instrument. If you are offered an audition, the date will be inflexible.

Application Process
Early June – Invitations to audition will be sent out by email. You are required to confirm that you will attend your audition.
Early June – Audition requirements and orchestral excerpts will be sent out by post. Please contact us if you move house during this period.
July – Auditions take place
End of July – Successful applicants will be contacted.  
September 2010 – Programme begins

We are working to achieve diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Applications will not be accepted after 23:59 on Tuesday 18 May.

Download teacher reference form (Word doc)>

Download teacher reference form (pdf)>

The Foyle Future Firsts programme is generously funded by The Foyle Foundation with additional support from The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Fenton Arts Trust and Musicians Benevolent Fund.