BSO Young Associates Programme

BSO’s Young Associates programme is a paid eight-month music leader training programme for 18-30 year olds based in the South West who are underrepresented in the arts.

It will immerse you in the world of a community music leader through hands-on training and mentorship and provide a career springboard for two talented young people to develop skills and join a growing network of emerging music leaders. No music leading experience required – we’re looking for potential!

Bursary:£8,800 (split into monthly payments of £1,100)

Time commitment:

At least 10 days a month for eight months from November 2026 to June 2027. The programme will work around your other commitments. Travel across South West is required.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is looking for people with the potential to be a great communicator, connect with people from all walks of life, and take their musical and creative skills to the next level. To apply to be a BSO Young Associate you must:

• Be a musician, vocalist, music producer, composer, sound artist, MC or songwriter of any genre
• Play or make music to a sufficiently high standard
• Embrace different styles of music and be keen to learn new skills
• Be passionate about music making with people of all ages, abilities and needs
• Be based in the South or South West of England (from Basingstoke in the East, to Gloucestershire in the North and Cornwall in the West)
• Be aged 18-30
• The Young Associates programme is created to support those currently underrepresented in the arts. We are not presenting a fixed set of criteria, and instead ask applicants to self-identify their eligibility in this area. Eligible criteria may include, but are not limited to, underrepresented gender, racial, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, rural isolation and may also include neurodiversity and Disability

If you would like more information or a friendly confidential chat about any aspect of the programme before applying, please contact Jess  arrange a phone call.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview/audition on Wednesday 9 or Thursday 10 September in Poole. Your travel expenses will be reimbursed for attending this interview day.

£8,800 (split into monthly payments of £1,100)

Contract Type

Training Programme

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