WHAT IS CAREER ACCELERATOR?

A paid career development opportunity for five early-career string players, which offers up to 60 days of freelance work across the CBSO’s artistic season. This includes full orchestral performances, chamber work, and participating in our wide-ranging Learning & Engagement programme. The Career Accelerator also features a tailored training package to help develop the skills required of a 21st-century orchestral musician.

The Career Accelerator programme is aimed at musicians from currently under-represented backgrounds in the orchestral world. We ask for musicians to self-identify their under-represented protected characteristics, communities, or identities in their application. This may include musicians from the Global Majority; Deaf, Disabled, or neurodivergent musicians; those from LGBTQ+ community; those from marginalised genders; and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The CBSO’s Career Accelerator programme is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Foyle Foundation.

We work closely with our partners Black Lives in Music and Sheffield Performer and Audience Research Centre to ensure that the programme meets the needs of the musicians that apply.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Round 1 - Application form and digital audio audition

1. Complete an online application form linked below

2. Record your audition (audio only) as per the guidelines listed in Appendix 1, and upload the Job Pack file as part of your online application form by Friday 31 May 2024.

Round 2 - live auditions and interviews

Candidates that pass the digital first round of auditions will be invited to attend a live audition in Birmingham. Live second round auditions will take place on: Tuesday 9 July, Wednesday 10 July & Friday 12 July 2024

All live second round auditions will take place at the CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham B1 2LF. These will involve a short session of chamber music with CBSO musicians and an informal chat to get to know you and your interest in the scheme. Candidates will be able to claim £50 travel reimbursement if travelling from outside of the West Midlands.

Timeline

April 2024: Applications open

Thursday 30 May 2024: Applications close (including Digital First Round auditions)

Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Friday 12 July 2024: Live Second Round auditions in Birmingham

Late-July 2024: Confirmation of places on the Career Accelerator

August 2024 – date TBC: Introductory conversation with CBSO management team

Thursday 19 September 2024: Training event

September 2024 – July 2025: Career Accelerator programme delivery