IBO APPRENTICES 2023

“The Irish Baroque Orchestra Apprenticeship Scheme has been the most helpful orchestral training scheme I have taken in part in, providing me with on-the-job training, advice, and professional support. As someone who had a keen interest in early music but relatively little experience playing period instruments prior to my participation in the Apprenticeship Scheme, I now work professionally as a baroque violist in both Ireland and London less than a year after completing my apprenticeship.” Martha Campbell, Viola, IBO Apprentice 2020-2021

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Are you studying a baroque string instrument and looking to take the next step in your career? Look no further than the IBO’s Apprentice Scheme! Our unique and immersive programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of professional musicians, and has already launched the careers of several professional musicians. 

 

The space between completing one’s studies and entering a profession can be a difficult one to navigate. As an apprentice you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with our experienced musicians, gaining invaluable experience and insights into the inner workings of a professional orchestra. You will also receive one-on-one mentoring and lessons, attend professional development sessions and have the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. The notion of learning a craft from experienced hands is an ancient one, and the in-depth experience in historical performance offered by the IBO Apprentice Scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland. 

 

This is a huge opportunity for exceptional string players who are completing, or have recently completed, third-level study with some element of historical performance training. This may be on a second study instrument, or through experience gained with the Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra. We want to support your growth and development using our musicians and expertise, and help you to get the most from your year as an IBO Apprentice. 

 

Summary of the Apprentice Year

The Apprentice pathway comprises the following opportunities:

• Lessons with experienced professionals. 

• Professional development and mentoring sessions e.g. writing CVs and biographies

• Developing skills in education and participation activity, from planning to delivery.

• Intensive coaching and a performance showcase at the Dublin HandelFest 2023 (July 12th - 16th)

• Involvement with the Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra, in a principal seat (July 17th - 22nd)

• Participation in two projects with the IBO in 2023, under the directorship of Peter Whelan (September 6th - 10th and November 28th - December 2nd)

• The chance to develop your skills in historically-informed performance in a supportive professional environment. 

• Instrument loan where feasible. 

• Access to the IBO music library. 

 

Additional opportunities may arise during the course of the year. 

 

How to Apply

Applications for the IBO Apprentice Scheme are now closed. 

 

Please note that late applications will not be considered. We aim to inform all applicants of the outcome of their submission on or before February 24th 2023. 

 

Use of a baroque instrument and bow is desirable, but is not a prerequisite. A baroque bow and modern instrument would also be a possibility, as would a modern instrument and modern bow. If access to recording or filming equipment is a barrier to applying then please contact info@irishbaroqueorchestra.com to discuss how we can meet your needs. 

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“In my experience, the Apprenticeship Program was truly unique. It is a perfect bridge between student life and professional career, with the advantage of having a team behind you to help and guide you in the process. In historically-informed interpretation there is really a world of things to learn that take you to another much deeper and more meaningful level of interpretation, which with the help of the Scheme one can walk through and experience.” Giammaria Tesei, Violin, IBO Apprentice 2022 

 

Eligibility

We recognise that musicians develop their careers at different stages in their lives. Therefore there is no formal age limit for the Apprentice scheme, but we expect that all applicants will either currently be engaging in third-level study, or will have completed third-level study within the last year. 

 

We welcome applications from musicians based on the island of Ireland, or Irish citizens living abroad. However we cannot guarantee to cover travel expenses for successful applicants travelling from outside of Ireland to participate in Apprentice projects. 

 

The IBO Apprentice Scheme in 2023 is generously supported by Arts Council Ireland and the Friends and Patrons of the Irish Baroque Orchestra.