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A Work Experience Opportunity

The Great Little Orchestra Project 2025

An opportunity for young musicians aged 15-19 to improve their musicianship and help to run workshops in special education schools. It is generously funded by Arts Council England and run in partnership with MishMash Productions and the University of Nottingham. The first year of the project was a huge success, and we are now recruiting for the second year.

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What is the purpose of the project? 

The Great Little Orchestra Project is about providing an opportunity for 15-19 year old emerging musicians to learn new skills and apply them in real-life situations with young people with additional needs. It is aimed at individuals who are considering a career in music and would like to explore music teaching, music therapy and/or community music. Last year we had a mix of participants, including those who already had places to study music at university. 

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The project is also an opportunity for pupils in special education schools to make new connections and participate in fun and exciting music sessions. 

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"GLOP opened my eyes to the world of SEND. Music ought to be experienced in the moment together with those who want to experience it the most, and we got a chance to do that" - 2024 Participant

What will happen?

The main part of the project is a 4 day residential, held at the University of Nottingham between 7-10th July 2025. During the first two days, participants will form ensembles and play music together, learn about staging performances, and develop their workshop leading and improvisation skills. You can watch a video with reflections from last year's participants here

 

For the final two days the participants will visit a nearby special education school, where they will perform and support professional workshop leaders to deliver workshops in the classroom.


After the residential, beginning in autumn 2025, participants will undertake volunteering opportunities in their local area, with the support of a personal mentor to help them explore and develop their practice.

"'My favourite part of the project was going into the school. To see the joy on their faces or in their interactions. There was so much laughing and smiling." - 2024 Participant

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What will I leave with? 

This is a unique opportunity for those interested in a career in music to receive training in ensemble playing, performance staging and workshop leading from nationally recognised experts. You will also gain ‘real world’ experience of working musically with pupils with additional learning needs, all in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Both of these things could inform future career choices and are likely to open up further opportunities with your local hub

"'It encouraged me to be brave and go out there and try things like the improvisation. i have never really done it before, i just went for it and it improved so much " - 2024 Participant

Am I the right person to apply? 

We are looking for participants who are:
 

  • Aged 15-19

  • Interested in some kind of career in music. This could be as a performer, classroom music teacher, instrumental teacher, music therapist or community musician.

  • A

    ble to play an instrument to grade 5 level or equivalent (formal qualifications not needed)

  • E

    xcited by the thought of assisting in music workshops in special education schools.

  • Have some experience of improvising, or would be willing to have a go.

  • Be able to memorise one or two short pieces of music

  • Be available between 7-10th July inclusive

  • Have time in the 25/26 academic year to do additional volunteering in their hub (the exact commitment would be worked out with your hub)

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We particularly welcome participants who have lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity. This could include family members or previous work experience in the area

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More details...

  • Applications are open until Tuesday 29th April 2025.

  • The project take place at Nottingham University and a local special school. It will begin at 10am on Monday 7th July and end at 4pm on Thursday 10th July. This opportunity is free.

  • Participants will stay in university accommodation and all meals will be provided.

  • Music Hub staff will work alongside participants and offer pastoral support


The project is generously funded by Arts Council England and Music Education Hub East Midlands, a group of music hubs comprised of: Derby & Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire (Inspire) and Northamptonshire (NMPAT). It is coordinated by the MEHEM UpRising project in partnership with Mishmash Productions

How can I apply? 

You can then apply using this form.  If you have any questions you can contact the project lead, Ben Sellers at ben @ transformancemusic  dot org or speak to a member of your local music hub. 
 

The closing date for applications is 29th April 2025 at 5pm, and we will let you know by 12th May 2025 whether or not you have been selected . 

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