ASMF are running an Associate Fellowship scheme for players who are establishing their professional careers. Targeted at violinists, the scheme provides experience in chamber orchestral playing for those developing a portfolio chamber career.

“I can honestly say that being an Associate Fellow of ASMF has been one of the highlights of my musical journey to date. Arriving into my first rehearsal with them back in February, I very quickly realised that this is not just an orchestra, but a family. They are so warm and welcoming, and are the perfect example of a player-led ensemble. They take such pride in their work, and there is a sense that everyone feels an equal responsibility for the music.”

Associate Fellowship Scheme

The Associate Fellowship Scheme is designed to give players who are establishing their professional career a paid opportunity to rehearse and perform with ASMF, and receive bespoke coaching and mentorship from its players.

The scheme offers two violinists the opportunity to participate in a programme across our upcoming season (November 2026 – June 2027).

Those who participate in the programme will receive the following:

• opportunity to rehearse and perform with ASMF on 2 x projects, with performances at St-Martin-in-the-Fields
• opportunity to create, rehearse, and perform in a chamber performance for presentation
• opportunity to sit-in the orchestra during rehearsals with ASMF's Music Director Joshua Bell
• opportunities for 1-1 mentoring and coaching from ASMF players

Who the scheme is for

We understand that people at all stages of their careers are keen to get experience of orchestral playing. The ASMF offer is distinctive in its chamber focus, providing opportunities for coaching and mentoring from our players in small and orchestral-sized forces. The scheme is ideal for people who want to gain support and experience to help develop their portfolio chamber career.

Those taking part will sit at the heart of the orchestra during important, public-facing projects in the orchestra's diary. As a result, the criteria and audition process are designed to find players who are at the right stage to participate in and learn from this scheme.

We are looking for people who:

• Are violin players in the earlier stages of their career: There are no specific age restrictions.
• Are interested in developing a portfolio chamber career: It may be that you are still considering your future path, but have a keen interest in exploring this area.
• Have experience playing in a professional orchestral setting: This could be through other orchestral Fellowships, paid engagements, or professional playing experiences within higher education.
• Understand the demands of playing in a player-led chamber orchestra: While you don't need specific experience in this area, you are expected to understand and be willing to rise to the individual responsibility that comes with playing in this setting.
• Have a clear sense of what they would like to get from the scheme: We will assess whether this scheme is the right one for you through the application and audition process.
• Are available for all of the key project dates noted below: You are expected to be able to commit to the key dates outlined below
• Are based in the UK with ability to travel to London for the projects and rehearsals listed below, and further coaching opportunities.

If you have any questions please email esmesullivan@asmf.org.

All applications are to be completed on Musical Chairs, please see Information for Applicants for how to apply. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their chamber ensemble and chamber playing experience in their applications.