Tillett Debut
APPLICATIONS FOR DEBUT 2026 HAVE NOW CLOSED
What is it?
The aim of the Tillett Debut Scheme is to introduce new young artists to the UK concert circuit, providing vital concert experience and allowing for building repertoire and learning professional stagecraft.
Those musicians chosen for the Scheme will be recommended to the Trust’s extensive list of concert societies and promoters who regularly book Tillett Artists. Engagements are negotiated on the artists’ behalf by the Trust until the date and fee is agreed. The performance fees for all engagements are generously subsidised by the Trust.
The Tillett Debut Scheme also organises and promotes an annual concert at a central London venue (Wigmore Hall or Kings Place) where the Tillett Debut Scheme artists share a platform, allowing the musicians to perform to as wide and as influential an audience as possible.
“The Tillett Trust has played a major role in the development of Connaught Brass….the Debut Scheme has served as a perfect transition between conservatoire and professional life…” – Connaught Brass
“Becoming a Tillett Artist was a defining moment in my development from music student to professional musician..”
– Gemma Rosefield, cellist
Am I eligible?
- You must be an instrumentalist or chamber ensemble (we do not accept applications from singers), aged between 18 – 26 years (average age of 26 for ensembles)
- You must be based in Britain and planning on basing your career in Britain for at least the 2 years of the scheme. If you are not a British National then you must have all necessary Visas or permits in place to stay in the country
- If you are an ensemble, all members must be fully committed and not planning on leaving the group in the 2 years of the scheme
- Full guidelines can be found in ‘Info for Applicants’ at the bottom of the page
How do I apply and what is the process?
Applications for the 2026 Tillett Debut Scheme have now closed. Applicants are required to complete the online application form, provide references in the case of ensembles, produce a high-quality and recent performance video and pay an application fee (£35 for soloists, £40 for ensembles).
All applications must be in by 23:59 GMT on 4 November 2025 and all application fees must have credited by 23:59 GMT on the deadline date for applications to be eligible for consideration.
Please read the ‘Information for Applicants’ very carefully before filling in the application form, paying special attention to the video guidelines.
Up to 16 soloists/ensembles will be invited to the live auditions taking place on 27 January 2026 in London. All applicants will be told if they have made it through to the live auditions or not.
The live auditions take place in a London venue on one specified day. All applicants must declare on the application form that they are available to audition on that day if invited. No exceptions will be made.
Up to 4 soloists/ensembles will be selected from the live auditions to represent the Trust as a Tillett Debut Artist for the next two seasons (Sept 2026 – Aug 2028).