Backing brilliant young musicians with opportunities to perform and grow.
Applications close:
31 October 2026
Supporting artists. Enriching communities.
The Tree of Strings Young Artists Programme is a year-long, fully funded development opportunity for exceptional musicians aged 18-30, based in the UK.
Led by Artistic Director, Adrian Brendel, our Young Artists will develop their artistry through solo and collaborative music performance opportunities, work alongside established professional musicians, and build valuable skills in community engagement through work with schools and local communities across Dorset.
At the heart of the programme is the Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where the Young Artists become an integral part of the festival programme. Throughout the year, participants will also take part in outreach activity, receive mentoring and professional support, gain publicity opportunities and build experience that reflects the realities of a modern musical career.
Tree of Strings believes that great musicians can also be inspiring communicators, educators and collaborators. The Young Artists Programme is designed to nurture the next generation of artists while bringing exceptional live music to people and places that might not otherwise experience it.
Applications for the 2027-28 programme open on 8 September 2026.
More than a performance opportunity
A year of performance, collaboration and development.
Performance platforms throughout the year and opportunities to appear within Tree of Strings’ Festival programme.
Play side-by-side work with established professional musicians, including Festival opportunities.
Develop outreach skills through education work and engagement with communities.
Work with Adrian Brendel
Adrian Brendel works closely with Tree of Strings’ Young Artists, helping shape the programme and creating opportunities to perform, collaborate and develop alongside established musicians.
Drawing on his experience as a performer, curator and educator, Adrian helps create opportunities for Young Artists to develop through collaboration, performance and engagement with audiences.
Meet our 2026 cohort of
How to apply
You can apply if:
Complete the application form below before: 31 October 2026
Your application should include:
Two contrasting pieces of your choice.
Maximum total duration: 15 minutes.
A video of up to two minutes explaining:
Successful applicants will be notified by 6 November and be invited to a live audition in London in late November/early December.
The audition will include:
The panel will include Adrian Brendel and two others.
Successful candidates will be notified in mid-December 2026.
The Young Artists cohort will be publicly announced in January 2027.
Questions about the programme or application?
Activity takes place in Dorset, including in schools and as part of the Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury.
Participants should expect at least five visits to the South West during the year, including the festival period in the summer.
Yes. Every appearance is paid, and travel and reasonable expenses are covered.
No. Experience is welcome but not essential. We are looking for musicians with an interest in community engagement and a willingness to develop these skills.
We welcome applications from disabled musicians and anyone with access requirements. Please let us know what support you may need and we will work with you throughout the process.
The programme itself is fully funded. We may also be able to support audition travel costs in cases where these would otherwise create a barrier to participation.
No.
Craxton Studios, London NW3 7SU.
No. Applicants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs for auditions, although support may be available in circumstances where financial barriers would otherwise prevent participation.
Up to eight places are available across the programme.
Applicants attending the London audition will receive feedback. Feedback for first-round applications will depend on application numbers.
Young Artists application
Applications Close:
31 October 2026
