2025 Mentor Scheme

29th October - 2nd November 2025

Applications for the 2026 Mentor Scheme, in association with the English Schools’ Orchestra, will open in the New Year.

The highlight of our musical year is the annual Orchestra Course, which takes place over the October half-term. This comprises a five-day residential course during which an exciting programme of music will be rehearsed for a concert on the final afternoon.

In this mentor program, we are looking for final-year Music College, University and Post Graduate performers to take on leadership roles during rehearsals and the final concert for the English Schools’ Orchestra annual course. The English Schools’ Orchestra will provide a payment of £85 per day to cover personal expenses and travel. Daily lunch and afternoon tea are provided together with refreshments throughout the day.

This is a fantastic opportunity for final year and postgraduate performers who are pursuing a career as a professional musician to develop their teaching and leadership skills while playing and working with talented young musicians. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to play alongside and inspire the English Schools’ Orchestra students in rehearsals and participate in the final concert performed at the end of the course in London's Cadogan Hall.

We are specifically looking for mentors who are willing to help younger students during rehearsals as well as talk to them about how they can develop their own musical journey. Each section may have one or more mentors that move from desk to desk to help each of the students or take a leading role in the section. We are not looking for students who just want to have a week of playing experience.

The 2025 course will take place during the half-term week, from Wednesday 29th October to Sunday 2nd November, at the beautiful Woldingham School in Surrey. Woldingham station is located on the school grounds and provides regular train services to London Victoria and other London stations every 30 minutes.

Eligibility

This scheme is open to all final year and postgraduate performers, who are considering a career as an orchestral musician. Participants will be selected by means of online application and written recommendation by their tutor.

How to apply

Applications are made by completing the online application form summarising their academic and playing history, and intentions for further study, along with a personal recommendation from a tutor.

We are able to accept applications from all orchestral instruments.

If you have any questions or for information on how to get involved in the ESO Mentor Scheme, please do not hesitate us via applications@englishschoolsorchestra.org or use the contact us link at the bottom of the page.