Contact Information

General Enquiries: 01865 987 222
Box Office: 01865 980 980
Email: [email protected]

Orchestral Apprenticeship

Become a temporary member of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.

Our Orchestral Apprenticeship gives young string players the unique opportunity to play amongst our ranks as an orchestral musician.

Get the full orchestral experience


About our Orchestral Apprenticeship

An Orchestral Apprenticeship with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra gives young musicians the invaluable opportunity to join our string section for up to four concerts in the main concert season. From rehearsal to applause, you’ll be there at every step of the performance, learning how a professional orchestra works from the inside and what it takes to become a professional musician. Apprentices also receive £100 for each concert they perform with the orchestra.

How to Apply

Applications to the Orchestral Apprenticeship are open to string players only, and applicants must be in undergraduate or postgraduate study at the University of Oxford and play to Diploma standard or above.

Applications for the 2045/25 Orchestral Apprenticeship will open in September.

Audition information

Date tbc, October 2024
Venue tbc, Oxford

Candidates only applying for the Orchestral Apprenticeship and/or Side-by-Side will prepare the following for the audition:

  • One accompanied piece lasting 4–5 minutes (movements and excerpts of a solo work may be performed)
  • Two orchestral excerpts provided 4 days in advance
  • Sight-reading provided in the audition

For those also applying for the Young Artists’ Platform or Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition, candidates will also prepare:

  • An additional piece, that may be accompanied, lasting 4–5 minutes (movements and excerpts of a solo work may be performed)

If you have any questions about the audition process or any of the student performance opportunities, please contact Will Emery, Education Officer.