ABRSM’s composer mentoring programme, Writing for Music Education, is a six-month programme for emerging composers based in the UK looking to explore the world of composing for music education. The programme includes opportunities to join ABRSM behind the scenes, to develop skills in writing to a brief and to work alongside some of our partner organisations. Recruitment for the programme is supported through partnerships with Black Lives in Music and the Ivors Academy.

We are looking for composers from a diverse range of backgrounds that meet the following criteria:

• are interested in writing music for educational settings
• are in the early stages of their careers as composers*
• are not tied into an exclusive publishing contract
• have a working knowledge of traditional notation and western classical music
• are based in the UK and can commit to attending the sessions as outlined in the Programme Schedule, including those held in-person at ABRSM’s offices in London
• have good understanding of English
• are happy to take part in ABRSM’s comms campaigns relating to the programme and other activities as relevant

*by ‘emerging’ and ‘early career’ we are referring to the area of composition specifically; there is therefore no upper age limit, as some composers may be emerging in this area later in life or from a change in career focus.

The programme will run from September 2025 to February 2026. We have confirmed dates and times for a number of the sessions already and would ask that prospective composers complete their expression of interest on the basis that they can attend these sessions. Other dates will be firmed up in due course, while the 1:1 mentoring sessions will be arranged directly between composer and mentor.

The mentoring programme is free and bursary of £750 will be provided to each composer to support their engagement with the programme activities over the six-month period. Financial support will be available to cover reasonable expenses for face-to-face activities.

There will also be opportunities to meet with some of our partner organisations, including the National Open Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and more. Details of partner activities will be confirmed in due course and composers are welcome to attend as many of these sessions as they like.

Applications for this year’s programme are now closed

For a more detailed programme outline and explanation:

ABRSM composer mentoring programme terms of reference