This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council on behalf of ORA Singers for the attention of all schools.
I'm writing on behalf of the award-winning music charity and professional vocal ensemble, ORA Singers, with a reminder about our 2026 Young Composers' Programme.
Applications are currently open, and I wanted to ask if you would be willing to share this exciting opportunity with your network of schools, teachers, and students.
This scheme is fully funded and is completely free to all students involved, and it is open exclusively to those at non fee-paying secondary schools across the UK.
Thank you if you've shared this opportunity already - we've found that the majority of applications arrive in the last weekend, so any reminders you can send out would be greatly appreciated.
Each year, we welcome 50 students who receive free, first-class mentoring in composition with professional composers. Here's a summary of what's on offer:
Young Composers:
Receive the flagship package of one-to-one coaching with professional composers, who guide them through the process of writing a new piece;
Attend a Workshop with ORA Singers and a professional composer, where they have their ideas and sketches sung by our professional musicians who offer tailored feedback;
Write a new piece which ORA Singers perform and record in concert;
Receive a video recording of their new piece + feedback from a panel of industry experts.
Apprentices:
Receive first-class mentoring through a course of online Zoom workshops with composer, Rory Wainwright Johnston;
Receive coaching on composition skills, history, harmony, texture, writing for voices, and more;
Receive regular feedback on tasks and compositions;
Opportunities to meet with professional composers and undergraduates to learn about the music industry, and gain tips on applying to University/Conservatoire.