WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY PROFESSIONAL LEVEL?
Musicians with the skill, talent, and ability to earn an income from performing music to a professional standard in public. We understand that some of you may not have yet had the opportunity to play professionally – some of our musicians came directly from music college – but you must be of a high standard. The work of Paraorchestra is often featured at high-profile events, festivals, and across the media – and we expect our musicians to work at their best under pressure.
WHAT DO YOU PAY?
Musicians are employed on a freelance basis. The fees are project-specific but are in line with Musician Union rates and any accommodation and travel needed to complete projects are provided.
HOW MUCH WORK WILL I GET IF I AM SUCCESSFUL?
Our schedule varies year-to-year as we undertake new projects, so we cannot provide a guaranteed number of working days with the ensemble. Our projects also vary widely and so not every musician will take part in each project. We always endeavour to let orchestra members know about opportunities as far in advance as possible.
HOW DO YOU ACCOMMODATE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS?
We have a dedicated team of staff who travel with Paraorchestra musicians when on tour. You’ll be asked to share – in complete confidence – details about your disability or long-term health conditions, plus any access requirements, with our core staff before joining a project so that we may determine how we can best support you. If a musician requires an assistant, carer, or relative to travel with them on tour, this will be accommodated.
WILL THERE BE AN AUDITION?
If shortlisted, you will be invited to an in-person audition in February 2024. We won’t ask you to play or sing ‘set’ repertoire or excerpts, instead we ask shortlisted candidates to come prepared with music that best reflects them and their abilities.
The audition is designed so we can get to know you, and vice versa. We understand there will always be a degree of stress and nerves in an audition scenario, but we pledge to do everything we can to ensure you are enabled to perform at your best, as we would for any Paraorchestra engagement.
If you are invited to audition we will offer more bespoke details on what we need from you and will ask for your instrument and access requirements ahead of the day.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY IDENTIFY AS D/DEAF, DISABLED OR NEURODIVERGENT?
We subscribe to the social model of disability – a disabled person is not disabled by their medical, physical, or mental condition, but by society’s attitudes or lack of adjustment to accommodate ‘differences’.
WHY ARE YOU ONLY RECRUITING FOR MUSICIANS WHO IDENTIFY AS D/DEAF, DISABLED OR NEURODIVERGENT?
Whilst we are an integrated orchestra one of our key remits is to represent and provide a platform for musicians identifying as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent. We recognise this group of artists is largely under-represented in the industry.
I THINK I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN PARAORCHESTRA BUT I HAVE NEVER WORKED ON ANY PROJECTS LIKE THE ONES YOU UNDERTAKE, DOES THAT MATTER?
Not at all. Our key requirements are that you can play to a professional level (in any genre) and are open to – and excited by – new and different ways of making music.
I DON’T LIVE IN THE UK, CAN I STILL APPLY?
Sorry! Applications are only open to residents of the UK.
IS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION OR AGE LIMIT?
Applications are open to people aged 18 or over and there is no upper age limit.
I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO JOIN PARAORCHESTRA BUT I’M NOT A MUSICIAN, ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES?
Not currently, but, all other opportunities and vacancies are advertised on our blog so please keep an eye on our social media channels.
I DON’T PLAY AN INSTRUMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL BUT I AM A COMPOSER, CAN I APPLY?
In 2021, we welcomed applications from composers and music creators. This year, we are not seeking applications from composers or arrangers because this group naturally has longer cycles of working. The only exemptions are performers who also compose.
WILL YOU WELCOME APPLICATIONS ON ANY INSTRUMENT?
We welcome applications on any instrument, however there are six specific instrument types – clarinet, horn, tuba, viola, voice and classical piano – where we are currently at capacity. It is therefore extremely unlikely we will be able to take on new performers in these disciplines – although do apply if you feel strongly we should know about you!
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY AN ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME?
Alongside our programme of artistic projects Paraorchestra also have an artist development programme called Modulate. Members of the Paraorchestra ensemble, who identify as D/deaf, Disabled or Neurodivergent have access to this programme, which offers events such as talks and workshops, as well as commissioning opportunities and our Musician in Residence scheme amongst other things.
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION
If you have another question that is not addressed here, please email artistdevelopment@paraorchestra.com and add ENQUIRY to the subject heading.
