Applications are now open for the OAE Experience Scheme 2026/27.

The Ann and Peter Law OAE Experience Scheme gives gifted period instrument musicians the chance to work alongside our orchestral players. It is a two-year-long scheme aimed at players who have already finished or are finishing their studies and allows participants to be involved in and be mentored by our musicians in a variety of events across the year.


More about the OAE Experience Scheme

The scheme is directed by OAE principal violinist Margaret Faultless and OAE Education Director Cherry Forbes, and managed by freelance project manager Cathy Boyes. The scheme will run for 2 years between January 2026 and December 2027. Across the two years there will be three Classical Academy courses and one or two Baroque Academy courses: these will include in depth study for students to work with Margaret and other principal players in coaching and mentoring sessions with performance opportunities at the end of each course. All scheme members will also be offered two lessons with OAE players of their choice, the chance to observe rehearsals and to participate in a range of Education projects. As well as performances for the Experience Ensemble, there may be concert opportunities for chamber ensembles of Experience Scheme members. Some recent Scheme members have also been invited to play in the main orchestra as extra players.


How to Apply

There are places for strings, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani and harpsichords.

Applicants are required to fill in an online application form and submit two videos, both 3 – 4 minutes long, one of baroque repertoire (A=415) and one of classical repertoire (A=430), performed on period instruments. At least one of the videos should be accompanied. Applicants will also be asked to give the name of a referee.

There are some specific application arrangements for the following instrumentalists:

  • timpanists: please see excerpts list in the downloadable PDF ‘Additional Information’ section below
  • harpsichordists: please record one solo and one continuo piece
  • clarinets: please record two contrasting classical pieces.

Please apply by completing the online application form.

The closing date for applications is Friday 7 November 2025 and applicants will be notified by Friday 12 December. Successful players will be expected to attend the Classical Academy 9 – 11 January 2026 and will also at this time be given an outline of course dates for the two-year scheme.

Applicants should note that clarinet players may not be involved in the baroque course(s) and harpsichordists won’t be involved in the classical courses but all are welcome to attend as observers.


Support for participants

Experience Scheme members will receive a grant of £100 towards expenses for each course they attend. For each additional concert (above the ones that form part of the regular courses) or education projects, they will receive £50 for a half day and £100 for a full day. The OAE is unable to offer support for accommodation or travel – all funds raised for the scheme are channelled into the activities and opportunities offered to participants.

 

For any queries please email Cathy Boyes, the freelance project manager for the scheme.

 

The Ann and Peter Law OAE Experience Scheme continues to be supported by the Henocq Law Trust. Additional support is given by The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, The Roger and Ingrid Pilkington Charitable Trust and the Stanley Picker Trust.