Free-to-Enter Composition Awards & Prizes

These awards provide monetary, workshop, performance and publication opportunities to composers in the UK.

Matthew Elderton-Lewis15 July 2026composer support

Against ‘Hustle’: The Radical Reclaiming of Music’s Rest and Play

Pianist Cordelia Williams discusses the the radical reclaiming of music’s rest and play.

Guest User7 July 2026honestyComment

Concert Recommendations ~ July 2026

A rip-roaring parade, a festival of radical operas, and a new series of relaxed, intimate performances.

Hannah Fiddy30 June 2026

10 Full-Length Operas on YouTube

Find yourself a full opera to watch for free on YouTube (including the first opera written by a female composer).

Hannah Fiddy29 June 2026entertainment

15 Operas by Female Composers

A selection of contemporary operas composed by women.

Hannah Fiddy23 June 2026entertainment, women

Concerts Premiering New Music This Summer

Concerts premiering new music this summer, by composers including Steve Reich, Mica Levi and Missy Mazzoli.

Hannah Fiddy22 June 2026

The Challenges of Finding a Job in the Classical Music Industry

Your comments on looking for jobs in the classical music industry.

Hannah Fiddy15 June 2026honesty

10 Novels about Violinists

Fiction books about violinists, violin students and violin makers.

Hannah Fiddy12 May 2026books, entertainment

10 Novels about Cellists

Fiction books about cello players, cello students and historical cellists.

Hannah Fiddy12 May 2026books, entertainment

13 Musical Comedians

13 comedians with funny things to say about classical music, or with a background in music that’s helped them get to where they are now.

Hannah Fiddy5 May 2026entertainment

6 Trans Opera Singers

Hear about the experiences of being trans within the classical music world from a selection of opera singers.

Hannah Fiddy30 March 2026diversity

Free Opportunities for Composers Under 18

Here is a selection of schemes and competitions available to aspiring composers aged 18 and under.

Matthew Elderton-Lewis30 March 2026composer support

10 Contemporary Female Composers

An introduction to some of the British women composing music today.

Matthew Elderton-Lewis9 March 2026women, composers, diversity

15 Female Founders of Classical Music Organisations

An introduction to the women who have forged their own path within the classical music industry.

Hannah Fiddy4 March 2026women, diversity

10 Female Chief Executives of UK Orchestras

An introduction to some of the women who are running British orchestras.

Hannah Fiddy23 February 2026women

10 Female Leaders of UK Orchestras

An introduction to some of the women who are leading British orchestras.

Hannah Fiddy12 February 2026women

Reading Essentials for Aspiring Composers

Books about orchestration, notation productivity, and overcoming self-doubt.

Matthew Elderton-Lewis27 January 2026books, composers

How to Improve the Classical Music Hiring Process

Your anonymous suggestions for how arts organisations can improve the hiring process.

Hannah Fiddy7 January 2026honesty

The Conservatory-to-Cult Pipeline

A discussion of “cult-ish” characteristics within the classical music world, exploring the dark side of musical devotion.

Guest User22 September 2025books

Memory Slips to Meltdowns: Classical Music’s Taboos

Author Caroline Swinburne gives us a sneak peak behind her novel, Solo, which delves into the murky world of performance anxiety.

Guest User9 September 2025honesty, books