are you a composer looking for opportunities to grow as an artist?
We’re looking for four UK-based composers who display a unique artistic voice and development potential to join nonclassical AiR (Artists in Residence) in 2026.
With thanks to our funders: the Mila Charitable Organisation, Vaughan Williams Foundation, Idlewild Trust, Radcliffe Trust, Fenton Arts Trust, and the Margaret Engering Music Trust.
nonclassical is honoured to open applications for our long-running artist development programme. Since 2016, the scheme has supported 16 artists including the likes of Nneka Cummins, Blasio Kavuma, Laurence Osborn and Atefeh Einali. Former participants have received national recognition (Ivor Novello and RPS Awards), major commissions (BBC Proms and LA Phil), and further opportunities with both nonclassical and other organisations (signed to publishing labels, invited to prestigious festivals) following our support.
Nonclassical AiR supports the artistic development of unsigned and unpublished early-career composers, who are creating stand-out new contemporary classical, electronic and/or experimental music that chimes with our ethos.
The scheme has been specially developed to give four early-career artists a 360-degree view of what it takes to be a composer in today’s musical landscape, across commissions, curating and promoting events, releasing music, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of how the music industry operates and who operates it.
Former editions of the Artists in Residence programme have featured: a takeover at the Southbank Centre, concerts at the Glad Cafe (Glasgow) and Ormside Projects (London), and partnership events with Contemporary Music for All (CoMA) and Sinfonia Smith Square.
In the first year of the scheme, the four artists will:
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Receive a £1,000 fee to write a piece for soloist or collaborate with an ensemble on a curated concert.
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Record a track for our label’s Outside the Lines digital EP compilation.
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Meet with a dedicated mentor of your choice.
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Engage with a qualified career coach to shape goals and provide a confidential space to help overcome any challenges.
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Undertake a bespoke package of professional training sessions based on goals and skills gaps.
Subject to successful fundraising, in the second year of the programme selected artists will:
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Develop a short piece for ensemble, remunerated at Musicians Union commission rates, based on a baroque dance form for Vache Baroque, with workshop time to test out ideas.
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Contribute to Nonclassical’s programme of curated events.
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Continue mentoring, coaching and professional development sessions to support both creative and professional development.
A budget of financial support will be provided to remove any barriers to participation which may include travel, accommodation, childcare or other assistance. Individual circumstances will be taken into consideration upon offer of a place on the scheme. Please indicate on the form any access requirements you may have to enable your participation.