National Open Youth Orchestra Music Leader

National Open Youth Orchestra Music Leader

A group of people are in a space with instruments, sat in a line. There is a person at the front directing them.

We are currently recruiting for a new freelance Music Leader to help deliver our work with the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) within our MAC Makes Music department. The Music Leader for the Birmingham regional ensemble will play a vital role in ensuring the delivery of NOYO is run smoothly and effectively. The successful candidate will work closely with the regional ensemble and MAC Makes Music, as well as assisting OpenUp Music with national delivery of NOYO.

About National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO)

The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is a world first, an ambitious orchestra launched in September 2018 to give some of the UK’s most talented young disabled musicians a progression route. It promotes musical excellence, empowering disabled and non-disabled musicians aged 11-25 to rehearse and perform together as members of a pioneering ensemble.

There are currently five NOYO Centre’s: Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff and London, where young disabled and non-disabled musicians meet once a month to rehearse together in regional groups. The full National Open Youth Orchestra meets once a year each April for a residential, before performing a series of summer concerts.

Some of the National Open Youth Orchestra musicians play acoustic instruments; others, electronic instruments like the Clarion, which can be played with the movement of any part of the body including the eyes.

The Birmingham NOYO Centre is a partnership between Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), and Services For Education. There are currently 11 young people who are members of the Birmingham regional group, who meet once a month for rehearsals. For half of the year, the rehearsals take place at MAC.

Find out more

How to apply

Visit MAC's Hireful page to find out more and start your application.

Deadline to apply: All applications must be received by no later than Midday onFriday 30th May 2025.

Short-listing: Shortlisted candidates will be informed at the latest by Friday 7th June 2025.

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on the week commencing 9th June 2025.