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The Composer’s Guide to Funding 2025.

Writer's picture: Genevieve FisherGenevieve Fisher

As a musician, particularly at the beginning of your career, it can be difficult to develop an impressive portfolio with beautiful live recordings of your work. But do not be defeated by these barriers that hinder the development of your portfolio - although a jungle of information, there is plenty of advice and funding found throughout the internet!


To save you precious time that can be better spent composing, we have gathered details of all the opportunities available this year in one handy document alongside application tips and tricks.


Applying for Funding


Often thought of as a tedious and difficult process, successfully applying for funding requires organisation, dedication and a sprinkling of luck. Don't let this put you off - below we go through a plethora of ways to make this process as easy and successful as possible, all in one handy checklist.


Stage 1. The Story

When applying for grants, the funders will see hundreds of applications, the key is to make your submission stand out.


One fantastic way to achieve this is to portray not only the project, but the person or people behind the project, your background, skills and how an investment in you will further your career, community and the world of music in general. Introduce your bid with a short personal history - where and what you studied, any impressive awards or interests, what stage of your career you are in, how passionate you are for the project’s success and how the funding will help advance this.


Stage 2. The Plan

After introducing yourself, your background and current position in life, it is now time to introduce the plan. This is often an area that sees great variation in techniques - some contain brief overviews and some produce entire essays! Our top advice is to be concise, be precise and stick to the price!


The plan needs to cover every aspect of the project from conception to completion, marking an explicit purpose of each step and its necessity to the project as a whole. It can be useful to set out a timeline so the funders can understand the details and timescale of the plan. Decide which organisations will be involved, the length and breadth of the project and each step of the project from the writing of the music, to the preparation of scores, to the recording of the music and releasing it to your audience.


The funders are looking for a project that has been meticulously thought through by someone who is passionate but realistic, each aspect being presented with a level balance of caution, passion and rationality, they need to trust you can spend their money wisely and stick to a budget. Who, what, where, why and how. This phrase is often a favorite of teachers, but it holds real significance when producing funding bids.


There is however a balance between providing enough information to tell your story, and the potential to provide so much they cannot read it all in the allotted time per application. We would recommend reading your finished bid out loud and timing it, if it exceeds 15 minutes, maybe think about making it more concise.



Stage 3. The Budget

This is an often overlooked but essential part of any application. The funders want to know everything their money will be used for - from travel costs, to hiring an orchestra. Research and calculate every individual cost that may be incurred from the very beginning to the end.


Often the most efficient way to format this is in a spreadsheet, with simple columns and rows that calculate the total figures for you at the bottom. Not only is this more efficient, it also looks more professional and is easier to use for both you and the funders. If there is a variable amount of funding on offer, try producing three different budgets - one high, one low and one somewhere in between, bearing in mind the amount of minutes, people and additional equipment are involved in the project.


Examples of aspects to consider for your budget are; orchestration and recording preparations; the musicians, recording and studio time; mixing and mastering; marketing activities such as videography, photography, distribution and promotion. Always be realistic - even if this means getting in touch with industry professionals to ask for advice or quotes - this shows the funders that you are serious! At the NFO we are always eager to help with quotes, queries or questions, right from the early days of a project, so don't be afraid to ask!


Another invaluable resource is the Music Union’s suggested rates for paying musicians and related services. Have a look through their website - these are the industry standard rates, so give a fantastic idea of the expected costs (and maybe unforeseen costs!) that would be related to a recording project.


Stage 4. The People 

In this section, tell the funders who you intend to be involved in the project. Discuss your industry colleagues that will be involved and their backgrounds, how they will be involved and their relevant experience that will make this project thrive. Consider who you intend to record with, provide details from quotes, websites or conversations with organisations to prove they are the most appropriate for the project and can help provide the most successful outcome. A recording project is full of people who provide specific skills, this is your time to connect to your network and wider musical community to make your project happen.


Stage 5. The Outcome

In the final section of your application it is useful to discuss the result of your project. This is your opportunity to tell the funders how their help can change your career for the better. Maybe a better sounding portfolio will allow you access to better commissions, or maybe you would like the opportunity to gain experience in a recording session? Whatever the reason, the aim and outcomes of your project must be clear, this way the funders know their money is going to a good cause and will really make a difference!



Funding Opportunities


Below is an organised list of the funding opportunities for 2025. Read the descriptions carefully as each has different entry requirements, deadlines and amounts of money - it is up to you to decide which suit your needs the most.


At the bottom we have added in some other opportunities that may be of interest, including calls for scores and competitions - these all add up to create a fantastic and interesting portfolio! Other opportunities are posted throughout the year on Sound and Music and Musical Chairs - keep an eye out!


Large-scale Grants


Arts Council; 

Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants - This supports individual artists, community and cultural organisations. Applications can be made by individuals, organisations, museums or libraries and grants range from £1,000 to £100,000. Applications are open all year round.


Arts Council Developing Your Creative Practice - You can apply for between £2,000 and £12,000 for development activities related to the specified activities which include music, new music creation, career advancements, listing composers specifically. The next round will be announced in early 2025.


PRS Foundation; 

A table of deadlines for all grants can be found here; Deadlines. 

PRS Composers Fund - Is an opportunity for composers with a strong track record, giving direct access to funding at pivotal stages in their career. A contribution of up to £8,000 – £15,000 is available to composers who are already making a significant cultural contribution in the UK and have the potential for greater impact in the UK and overseas. Applications open on the 17th February and close on the 1st April 2025.


Power Up - POWER UP is an ambitious, long-term initiative which supports Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well as addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector. This can include support through grant support of up to £10,000, capacity building and mentoring, access to partners, marketing support. Applications open on the 27th January and close on the 13th of March 2025.


The Open Fund - The Open Fund for Music Creators supports the development of outstanding music creators of all genres and backgrounds at different stages of their career with grants of up to £5000. To support the creation, performance and promotion of outstanding new music in any genre. Round six is open now.


SCOTLAND Open Funding - is one of Creative Scotland’s key funding routes, supporting the wide range of activity initiated by organisations, artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland.


Steven Oliver Award - The primary aims of the Stephen Oliver Trust are to encourage the creation, promotion and performance of contemporary opera, and to help support fledgling composers working in the contemporary opera field.  In 2006, the capital funds of the Stephen Oliver Trust were incorporated within the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. The award is open to composers who are currently residing in the UK for a production that takes place in the UK. The Stephen Oliver Award is now awarded every other year to an emerging composer who has written a work for music theatre to assist with the cost of bringing that work to performance. The Award for 2023 was for £5,000. This opportunity will be open in 2025 (TBC).


Amplify London - The fund enables access to music-based projects, mentors, personal development programmes and performance spaces for young creatives across the city. To date Amplify London has provided grants to 20 organisations for projects across London. It will support a further five grassroots music projects for young people across the capital during 2025. Applications currently open.


The Finzi Trust - Grants and funding for career enhancement such as recording sessions. Two rounds per year that close on the 1st February and the 1st of September.


Vaughan Williams Foundation - For professional British composers (established or entering the profession) who have not yet achieved a broad national reputation. The next round will open on the 1st February.


Small-scale grants


Sound and Music Essentials Fund - The Essentials Fund is a new grant scheme open to any composers, music creators or artists working creatively with music and sound, to purchase essentials for their practice. They will run several open calls annually, and reflect and evaluate their approach regularly to ensure this offer remains relevant and in line with their strategic aims. Open early 2025.


The Nicholas Boas Trust - The Trust supports young musicians at the start of their careers with particular projects such as attending masterclasses, travelling to auditions, making initial recordings, commissioning new works etc. Contact via email.



Call For Scores


ORA Singers 2025 Graduate Composers’ Showcase - The Graduate Composers’ Showcase is designed to kick-start the careers of young professionals, offering the chance for five Graduate Composers to add their name to this esteemed list and become professionally commissioned by ORA Singers. The deadline is 27th of January 2025.


Call for Vocal Chamber Works Inspired by the Black Declaration of Independence - July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To invite reflection on what this sesquicentennial means and the complicated history, present tense and future of the United States, we welcome composers of the African diaspora to submit proposals for vocal chamber works inspired by the theme of Black Declaration of Independence. Available Instrumentation and Voice Types: Voice Types: soprano, mezzo, tenor, countertenor, bass and baritone. Up to four (4) voice types may be used. Available Instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, piano, flute (including piccolo and/or alto). Option of any combination of 3-6 available instruments. Closes Feb 28th.


Courses


Britten Pears Residency - At Britten Pears Arts, our residency programme offers an incredible range of development opportunities for composers and music creators at our two inspiring locations: Snape Maltings and The Red House. Our programme is designed to ignite your creativity and exploration, providing the flexibility to suit your unique needs. Closes 5pm 18th February.


The Sonic Arts Forum - Will be holding an event at Maynooth University, Co. Kildare nr Dublin on 5th April 2025. This is an opportunity for creative people, working with sound as a significant element in their practice, to introduce their work, and receive feedback in a friendly, and supportive, environment. Closes 24 Jan 2025.


ABRSM Writing For Music Education - Our composer mentoring programme, Writing for Music Education, provides emerging composers with opportunities to develop their skills in writing to a brief, for exam syllabuses and within broader educational contexts. Composers on the programme receive dedicated mentoring from leading educational composers, as well as specialist support from educators and ABRSM staff as they complete a series of compositional tasks. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet  - will be announced in their newsletter.


Britten Sinfonia Opus 1 - Our Opus 1 programme gives aspiring composers the chance to write a piece for a Britten Sinfonia chamber ensemble and take part in workshops and a recording day, receiving advice and feedback from our musicians and composer mentors. Applications open in spring 2025.


Britten Sinfonia Magnum Opus - Our Magnum Opus scheme is an opportunity for more experienced composers to develop their skills in orchestral writing and to have their works performed as part of two Britten Sinfonia concert programmes. With support from our musicians and mentors, our Magnum Opus composers work towards the performance of their own concerto in a showcase concert. Applications open in late 2025.


Help Musicians UK Co-Pilot - A Musicians’ Mentoring Network, supporting musicians with their development by pairing them with an experienced industry mentor. Navigating the creative, logistical, financial and emotional pressures that come with being a musician can make sustaining a career in the industry incredibly challenging. Co-Pilot helps musicians to take the next step in their careers by matching them with an experienced music professional, who can share their expertise to help talented creators focus, grow and thrive. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet - will be announced in their newsletter.


Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival - Fielding Talent - A range of opportunities at one of the world's foremost festivals of new music, giving composers and music creators the chance to gain experience and expertise, build networks and raise their profile. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet - will be announced in their newsletter.


London Philharmonic Orchestra - Young Composers - Participants have the chance to develop a chamber work with LPO musicians across the year, leading to a public performance at Southbank Centre. The deadline is Monday 24th February 2025.


London Sinfonietta - Writing the Future - An opportunity to work with and write for a group of up to six musicians from one of the UK's leading contemporary music ensembles. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet - will be announced in their newsletter.


London Symphony Orchestra - LSO Jerwood Composer+ - A 16-month placement for two early-career composers to build experience in planning and delivering chamber-scale concerts. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet - will be announced in their newsletter.


London Symphony Orchestra - LSO Soundhub - An opportunity for composers to lead a project with a small group of LSO players. No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet - will be announced in their newsletter, expected in autumn 2025.


National Youth Choirs of Great Britain - Young Composers - A year-long scheme for four composers aged 18-29, through workshops, mentoring and performance. Applications open in Summer 2025.


Philharmonia Composers' Academy - Opportunity to write a chamber work for Philharmonia players to be performed live at London's Southbank Centre and recorded, with a £3,000 commission fee. Entries may be opening in 2025.


Riot Ensemble Call for Scores - A chance for composers to share their work with Riot Ensemble, resulting in two or more commissions each year. Entries may be opening in 2025.


Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Rushworth Composition Prize - The opportunity to write a chamber work for the orchestra's Ensemble 10/10, with a £1,000 commission fee and mentoring from the organisation. Entries may be opening in 2025.


The Alternative Conservatoire - A multi-disciplined course with a focus on developing an artistic voice through developing their own project, mentor guidance, creative leadership, collaborative practices, immersive workshops and a craft drawn from many cultures. They are looking for composers and music creators aged 18-25 (or within the first 10 years of professional practice). No information for an opening date in 2025 as of yet  - will be announced in their newsletter.



Competitions


Cue Tube Vesper Competition - VESPER is a 4-minute fan film ‘opener’, inspired by the James Bond series of films among others. Our hero breaks into Drax’s lair to retrieve the disc, while Agent Smithers acts as decoy. Un-scored and with all audio provided on separate tracks for creators, VESPER is another stunning resource for aspiring film composers, sound designers, hobbyists and educators alike. Win a recording session with the NFO! Closes 10th February 2025.


40 plus Composition Competition 2025 - An exciting and rare opportunity for mature composers. The Rosalie Coopman Music Foundation in partnership with Trinity Laban announces the 40+ Composition Competition 2025. The deadline is 1st March 2025.

Opportunities for aged 18 and under


BBC Proms Inspire Competition - BBC Young Composer creates opportunities and resources for 12 to 18 year olds across the UK who make their own original music, holding a nationwide competition every other year. Submissions open in March.


Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Creative Composing Lab - Creative Composing Lab is an exciting opportunity for young people in Years 10 - 13 (ages 14* - 18) to compose guided by the expert knowledge of professional composer David Horne from Royal Northern College of Music and BCMG musicians. Event dates are the 26th of January and the 29th of June.


Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Young Composers - BCMG Young Composers is an exciting project for budding composers in School Years 7 - 9 (ages 11* - 14). We are offering young people the opportunity to compose for Birmingham Contemporary Music Group musicians guided by composer Kirsty Devaney. Event dates are the 26th of January and the 11th of May.


Royal Scottish National Orchestra Notes from Scotland - Notes from Scotland is a composing scheme for young composers aged 14-18 years living in Scotland. Through the project, young composers will develop their composing talent, learn new skills and meet other young musicians and composers. Applications open in Summer 2025.


Sound Festival Go Compose! - Is a composition course for young composers aged 13-18 and in full time education. This is a unique opportunity to work with professional composers and musicians from Red Note Ensemble who we run the course in partnership with. Over 3 days you will create your own, original piece of music which will be performed at the end of the course. You will also receive a recording of your piece. This course runs from Monday 14 October to Wednesday 16 October.


Sound and Music In the Making - In the Making is our annual trailblazing artist development programme for young people aged 14-18. It is the only programme of its type in the UK that supports young music creators and composers. It is a 12 month programme, which will support 50 young people to grow their confidence and expand their skills and creative ambition in an open and accessible environment. Applications open in January 2025.


Caius Choral Composition Prize - Choir of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge is delighted to announce the Caius Choral Composition Prize!Caius Choir, a choir that specialises in new and undiscovered repertoire, seeks entries from young composers enrolled in state education, including those over the age of 18 currently in sixth form/college. Entrants must compose a piece for SATB choir (either unaccompanied or with organ accompaniment) of 2-3 minutes in length, set to a text selected by the college’s Dean, The Revd Dr Cally Hammond, these are available on the choir website. The winner of the competition will be invited to Cambridge to hear their piece being rehearsed and performed during Evensong by Caius Choir and will receive a video and audio recording plus an award of £350. Closes 5th March 2025, only open to those 18 and under.

Thanks for checking out our our comprehensive composer’s Guide to Funding 2025. We hope that you foudn this resource to be useful! Stay tuned to the NFO blog for more composer tips like this!


 




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