RPS Composers Programme 2027

The RPS Composers programme is a development programme for promising UK-based composers establishing their careers. We offer a paid commission and premiere with a noted ensemble, venue or festival, dedicated mentoring, and professional support to help composers embed the skills, confidence and networks needed to build sustainable careers.

Applications for the 2027 RPS Composers programme are now open, and will close at 11am on Wednesday 1 April 2026. Annually, the RPS Composers programme aims to transform the prospects of promising UK-based composers, with creative and vocational support, at critical turning points in establishing their careers. Annually we form a cohort of around eight composers, offering each a grant and a commission to write for one of our programme partners – a range of noted ensembles, venues and festivals. We aim to help the cohort develop the skills, confidence and contacts they need to seek further commissions and performances of their own beyond the programme.

We are specifically looking for composers in the early stages of their careers who are secure in their compositional writing and will benefit from a year-long range of activities and support. Composers will join us for preliminary sessions later in 2026, before the programme fully gets underway in January 2027.

The RPS Composers programme includes the opportunity to:

• develop a creative relationship with an ensemble, venue or festival
• meet and draw insights from key figures in the music business and professional composers
• be part of regular online vocational workshops in a supportive group environment to fuel your confidence and ability to promote yourself and your music
• receive individual mentoring with the RPS team, looking at your own personal objectives and how we might help you to fulfil them

Through the programme, we aim to give you insights into the range of settings in which you and your music can have real impact, encouraging you to think more about the scope of everything you can do as a professional composer. Usually we grant around eight commissions which we expect to have a value of £3,000 each, for a chamber or solo work, plus its premiere performance with a leading UK ensemble, venue or festival.

The current cohort of composers is writing for 12 Ensemble, RLPO’s Ensemble 10:10, Hebrides Ensemble, Manchester Camerata, Music@Malling, Onyx Brass, Presteigne Festival and Swaledale Festival. While plans are still taking shape, we expect a similar range of opportunities to be offered in the year ahead. Please consider this carefully and only apply for the programme if you want to write a solo or chamber work with such performance partners or in similar settings.

From Autumn 2026 you will attend a number of group sessions and workshops designed to help you develop your vocational skills and establish a good footing in the music profession.

The programme is for composers of any nationality based in the UK who plan to build their career here, able to demonstrate genuine commitment to establishing a career as a composer. The RPS Composers programme supports composers writing music in the broad spectrum of contemporary classical music as might be heard with the ensembles and in the settings outlined above. We welcome and have a good track record of supporting composers who bring a range of musical influences to their classical interests.

Please note, this opportunity is not open to those studying at Undergraduate or Masters level from September 2026 onwards. Composers working towards a PhD may apply if you are already working professionally to some extent alongside your studies. Given its purpose to help establish your career, this opportunity is only for those aged 18 and above. There is no upper age limit.

As a charity, we are keen to support a wide range of musicians and initiatives. If you have received any kind of funding from the RPS within three years of the closing date (since 1 April 2023), we ask you not to apply this time, but if eligible you may do so in a future year once that period has expired.

We are continually striving to address how we can minimise barriers to the widest possible range of applicants. We are proud to have adopted Sound and Music’s Fair Access Principles, we work closely with Black Lives in Music, and we are also signed up to the Keychange initiative, aiming to achieve 50:50 parity of marginalised genders in the composers we support. We warmly welcome applications from composers of all backgrounds, particularly under-represented demographics, such as those who represent the global majority, those who are disabled, and those from working class backgrounds. If you feel that any part of our offer – or the experience in applying for it – could inhibit you or another candidate from applying, please do let us know and we will be happy to address this.

What is the process? For full details on how to apply and the programme timeline, please read the application guidelines linked here. Applications can be made via our online application form, which will principally involve recording a short statement to camera, accompanied by some brief written information. Applicants should complete the form themselves where possible, but may elect another person to complete it on their behalf if needed. You will also need to submit two of your compositions for consideration by our panel. All applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted in June 2026, with interviews for shortlisted applicants taking place online on 3 July 2026. There is no application fee or cost to apply. The closing date is 11am on Wednesday 1 April 2026. If for access reasons or exceptional personal circumstances, you may not be able to submit your application by the closing date, please be in touch with us to discuss the possibility of a short extension to make your submission.