Live Music Now Scotland auditions
Live Music Now Scotland auditions are now closed for 2023/24 and we are not accepting late applications.
Information about our auditions
Each year, we audition early career musicians, either as soloists or in groups of up to 5 people.
Any style of music is welcome, including classical, Scottish/Gaelic/Irish traditional, other international traditions, rock, pop and jazz, although you must be able to perform without PA.
Musicians need to be able, legally and practically, to work in Scotland.
LMNS has two main aims:
- To train and support exceptionally talented, emerging professional musicians in the crucial early years of their careers providing them with fairly paid performing opportunities in the community.
- To provide high-quality participatory performances and workshops for those who are normally excluded from experiencing live music through ill health, disability, isolation or poverty.
What we do in 30 seconds – watch the video here!
Who Can Apply?
You are:
- Are at the start of your career in music
- Fairly new to this type of community work
- Able to communicate your music through your exceptional standard of musicianship and performance skills
- Passionate about sharing your music and willing to engage with a diverse range of people and ages using your excellent communication skills
- Able to provide a varied and suitable choice of music
- Open to learning new skills and reflect on your practice
- Passionate about the power of music and the aims of Live Music Now Scotland
There is no age limit to audition. We offer specialised support to musicians with additional support needs and/or physical disabilities dependent on their needs. For more information, please contact the General Manager lesleyann.smith@livemusicnow.scot.
We offer:
- Comprehensive training to engage people in care homes and additional support needs settings as well as project specific training for working in other areas of the community
- Paid performance opportunities from one-off performances to residencies that work to your strengths and skillset
- High profile performance opportunities at festivals and venues across Scotland and internationally.
- A community of like-minded musicians across Scotland
- Free training and career support tailored to your needs
- Peer mentoring
- Pastoral support
What do you mean by early career musicians?
Whilst each individual circumstance is considered, we would recommend that your group has 2-3 years of experience performing together and you are beginning to establish yourselves as professional performers. This will increase your chances of success as our audition process is very competitive. If you have any queries about whether we would consider you as emerging, please contact us at info@livemusicnow.scot
What does the audition involve?
Applicants will give a 10-minute performance suitable for a community setting for a panel of experienced musicians with time to chat about why you are interested in joining LMNS.
Am I automatically given an audition?
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we have two stages in our application process. This is to ensure that we see the most suitable groups at the ideal and pivotal stage in their career.
Stage 1 – the application
Applications are shortlisted using the following criteria:
- Soloists or groups who have worked together for long enough to have their own musical identity and a substantial programme of music
- Soloists or groups who are starting or have started their career in music and need support in establishing a sustainable career
- Soloists or groups who would most benefit from our training and performance opportunities
- An exceptional standard of musicianship to bring the highest quality of live music possible to our audiences
- Gaps in our current breadth of genres in support of achieving a balanced list of musicians
Stage 2 – the audition
If you are invited to an audition, you will need to provide a reference for your ensemble as well as references for each individual member of your group.
There is no audition fee. However, in the interest of demonstrating commitment to audition attendance, you will be asked to make a fully refundable deposit of £25 which will be returned no more than 2 weeks after your audition date for everyone who attends their audition. If you are successful in being offered an audition, there are travel/carer bursaries available to support you. These will be assessed and offered on a bespoke basis. The bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance to enable applicants to attend auditions in Glasgow and/or a waiver of the £25 deposit to secure your audition place.
If you are successful, you must be available to attend compulsory training.
In the meantime, you can watch the videos for some guidance on how to approach your audition.
An introduction to LMNS auditions with our Director Carol
Hear from Mary Ann Kennedy – LMNS alumni
Have a question? Get in touch with a member of the team: info@livemusicnow.scot
FAQs
I don’t have a band/group to perform with. Can I audition?
You can audition as a soloist and/or as part of a group of up to 5 people.
I’m an established musician and have been performing for many years. Is Live Music Now Scotland for me?
Probably not. Live Music Now is for musicians who are starting out in building their careers as professional performers.
I work during the day time. Can I still apply?
Most LMNS performances take place on weekdays during the daytime. Any other commitments should allow you some availability during these times in order to be able to accept LMN work.
Is there any kind of music that isn’t suitable?
No, we welcome all styles of music. If you need to use electronic equipment you must be able to provide your own, transport it and be able to set up quickly and easily.
Is there an age limit?
There is no upper or lower age limit. Generally, musicians tend to be in their early to mid-twenties when they join LMNS.
How long would I remain on the scheme?
This is flexible, but usually musicians are with LMNS for between four and six years.
How much do we get paid?
Fees vary depending on the length and type of performance. These are reviewed annually in order to ensure that they are in accordance with MU/professional bodies’ guidelines.
Does it cost to audition?
There is no audition fee. However, in the interest of demonstrating commitment to audition attendance, you will be asked to make a fully refundable deposit of £25 which will be returned no more than 2 weeks after your audition date for everyone who attends their audition. If you are unable to make the deposit for any reason, please let us know. Please note if you don’t attend your audition without notice of cancellation by 9am on the day of your audition, your deposit will not be returned and you will be unable to be considered for audition in the future.
Are there bursaries available?
Live Music Now Scotland is committed to fair access and believes that finance should not be a barrier to auditioning with us. If you are successful in being offered an audition, there are travel/carer bursaries available to support you. These will be assessed and offered on a bespoke basis. Please email lesleyann.smith@livemusicnow.scot to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss further. The bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance to enable applicants to attend auditions in Glasgow and/or a waiver of the £25 deposit to secure your audition place.
My group can no longer attend our scheduled audition time.
Please advise LMNS immediately if this happens. We may be able to offer your space to another group. If you withdraw from audition less than 2 weeks before your scheduled audition date, and wish to re-apply in the future, your group will need to pay another audition fee.
I live outside the United Kingdom. Can I apply?
Only musicians who are resident and have permission to work in the UK may apply. You should also be able to work in Scotland without incurring travel or accommodation expenses to get here.
I am still a student. Can I apply?
Yes. However, you’ll need to think about whether you have time available to attend training and give performances on weekdays during the daytime, when most of our activity takes place. Tier 4 visa holders should consult their sponsoring higher education institutions for guidance on employment and external engagements.
I am a Tier 4 visa holder. Can I apply?
Yes. Tier 4 visa holders should consult their sponsoring higher education institutions for guidance on employment and external engagements. You also need to consider whether you have time available to attend training and give performances on weekdays during the daytime, when most performances take place.
Will I need to apply for a Disclosure Scotland PVG check?
All musicians accepted on to the scheme will undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland PVG check.
Where will we be offered work?
Performances and workshops take place all over the UK and internationally in a wide variety of settings. Once accepted onto the scheme you may be asked to work anywhere, but it will mainly be in Scotland.
Do we have to play in all types of venues?
Live Music Now Scotland will try to organise work to suit you or your group. We will always ask first if you are happy to play in a particular kind of venue and if there are situations with which you are not comfortable, you will be able to say no to these.
How do I get to the venues?
Live Music Now Scotland pays travel expenses upon receipt of an invoice. Mileage rates are payable for car and bike and public transport should be the most economical. If you have any access requirements, please get in touch and we can discuss how we can support you to and from performances.
When do performances take place?
Mostly on weekdays during the day. If you are working for a period of time away from your home-base, this means staying overnight in the part of the country where the work is taking place.
Do I have to accept all the work that LMNS offers me?
No. If you are not available, another group will be offered the work.
Can I do other work as well as working for Live Music Now Scotland?
Yes. All musicians on the scheme are freelance/self-employed and tend to have portfolio careers.
