Professional Experience Scheme

About the Scheme: 

Applications for this year’s scheme are NOW OPEN until 12 noon, Friday 5 June 2026.

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.

“We’re proud to be working in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra.  The Professional Experience Scheme is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the orchestra profession through a visceral and rewarding experience as led by a group of exceptional musicians and staff that really care. Black Lives in Music and the Ulster Orchestra are united in our passion to help develop a professional sector where everyone can belong.  If your skills match the requirements then the Professional Experience Scheme is your next step.”

– Roger Wilson, Director of Operations, Black Lives in Music 

The Application Process (applications open 28 April 2026): 

There will be a two-step audition process. 

Step 1: Applicants should submit a video audition of the below unaccompanied instrument-relevant piece by 12 noon Friday 5 June 2026 (see further details in ‘how to apply’). 

Violin	Choice of ONE of the following: W. A. Mozart, Violin Concertos:  No. 3 in G major, K. 216, 1st Movement, without cadenza No. 4 in D major, K. 218, 1st Movement, without cadenza No. 5 in A major, K. 219, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Viola	Choice of ONE of the following: F. A. Hoffmeister, Viola Concerto in D major, 1st Movement, without cadenza  OR C. Stamitz, Viola Concerto in D major, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Cello	Choice of ONE of the following: J. Haydn, Cello Concerto No.1 in C major, Hob.VIIb:1, 1st Movement, without cadenza OR J. Haydn, Cello Concerto No.2 in D major, Hob.VIIb:2, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Double Bass	Choice of ONE of the following: C. Dittersdorf, Double Bass Concerto No.2, Kr.172, 1st Movement, without cadenza OR Vanhal, Double Bass Concerto, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Flute	W. A. Mozart, Andante in C major, K.315/285e
Oboe	W. A. Mozart, Oboe Concerto in C major, K.314/271k, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Clarinet	W. A. Mozart, Clarinet Concerto in A major, K.622, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Bassoon	W. A. Mozart, Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K.Anh.230a, 1st Movement, without cadenza
Horn	R. Strauss, Horn Concerto No.1, Op.11, 1st Movement.
Trumpet	T. Charlier, 36 Études transcendantes, No. 2.
Trombone	F. David, Trombone Concertino, Op.4, 1st Movement.
Bass Trombone	A. Lebedev, Concerto in one movement.
Tuba	R. Vaughan Williams, Tuba Concerto, 1st Movement.
Percussion	2 short contrasting pieces – 1 on a tuned instrument and 1 untuned.

Step 2: Successfully shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a live audition on 2 September 2026 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 October 2026 and resident in the UK or Ireland.
• Places are available for the standard orchestral string, woodwind, brass and percussion groups. We regret we are unable to offer placements for harp and piano. 

We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities.

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing pathways for local talent, and in recognition of the disparity of opportunity relative to other parts of the UK and Ireland, we always strive to ensure representation of musicians from Northern Ireland on this scheme.

​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 us. 

How to Apply: 

Complete the following Application and Monitoring Form before the closing date of 12 noon Friday 5 June 2026 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 [email protected].

PES is supported by The Thriplow Charitable Trust.