Ulster Orchestra – Professional Experience Scheme

IAYO; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 120 - 240; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flights paid

Accommodation paid

Job summary

Ulster Orchestra invites aspiring musicians to join its Professional Experience Scheme in Belfast. Three visits between November 2026 and May 2027 will place PES students with the Orchestra during rehearsals, with opportunities to perform in concerts where appropriate.

Participants receive mentoring, one-to-one lessons, and targeted coaching on auditioning and orchestral section playing, plus involvement in UO Animateur projects and Learning and Community Engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Musicians who have left school and are studying music at tertiary level, or have recently graduated.
• Applicants should be considering a career as an orchestral musician.
• Three visits between November 2026 and May 2027 with mentoring and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Attend rehearsals with Ulster Orchestra during three visits between Nov 2026 and May 2027.
• Receive one-to-one lessons and feedback from a dedicated mentor.
• Develop auditioning and orchestral section playing skills.
• Possibly participate in concerts and Learning & Community Engagement projects.
• Flights and accommodation paid by the Ulster Orchestra.

Job description

Ulster Orchestra – Professional Experience Scheme

A mentoring scheme for music students considering a career as an orchestral musician.

Applications for this year’s scheme are now open.

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 2026 and May 2027, PES students will come to Belfast to join the 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 Thriplow Charitable Trust and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland .

If you have any questions about the scheme, application process or would like further information, please contact Ruth Millar, Orchestra Manager at [e-mail] .