QSO Academy 2027 (Student intake)

Background

The QSO Academy Program lays the groundwork for aspiring pre-professional musicians to step into an orchestral career through intense preparation and training including masterclasses and lessons with globally renowned artists, mentorship from QSO musicians, and the opportunity to play in chamber and orchestral performances, including mainstage, opera and ballet productions and regional programs.

The QSO recognises its essential role in developing the next generation of instrumentalists, especially where the participants can grow into the future permanent musicians of an Orchestra. In partnership with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and the University of Queensland, this Program will further develop the technical skills already present from high-level tertiary study, as well as provide insights into career management and preparation for auditions – helping to develop sustainable and rewarding careers.

Summary of 2027 Program

Commencing in Semester 1 2027, the QSO will accept up to nine (9) musicians into the Academy Program on the following instruments. For the avoidance of doubt, the QSO considers Semester 1 to be 1 February – 31 July 2027. There is a strict minimum playing standard and no minimum intake. Only those applicants of suitable playing standard will be considered for a place in the program.

Instruments to be auditioned:

Violin (up to 2 positions)
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Flute
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone

*Program content for Wind and Brass will be by agreement on a case-by-case basis and tailored to the needs of the individual player.

Academy Participants will receive:

Guaranteed minimum inclusion in 40 calls of professional rehearsal and performance experience. Where possible this will be scheduled across a variety of activities, including one Ballet production, one Opera production, one Regional Tour activity and one mainstage Maestro concert performance and one chamber music project (or chamber orchestra project) with permanent members of QSO, however this will also depend on the QSO season schedule.
Work experience with the QSO’s Management Team.
2 x Mock Auditions (with two different typical programs for standard orchestral auditions).
2-3 x Workshops on audition repertoire with a group of QSO musicians/mentors
6 x lessons on orchestral excerpts and audition preparation (minimum of two with the relevant section leader and the remainder from any QSO musicians or titled conductors of the Participant’s choice)
Presentations on topics such as transition from study to work, audition preparation, managing nerves and health and well-being.
Possible masterclasses with guest international soloists/conductors.

Academy Participants will need to be fully available to QSO scheduled activities for Semester 1, with any tertiary study or other work requiring to be scheduled around QSO Academy priorities. Students will accrue the required credit points for their successful participation in the Academy.

All rehearsal and performance calls attached to the list of activities above will be the base commitment of each Participant. Participants may also be offered additional casual work with QSO throughout the semester, where possible and appropriate.

Auditions

Two rounds of auditions will be scheduled. The advertised round of auditions will be for tertiary students who will be enrolled at either QCGU or UQ in 2027. This will take place on Friday 11th September 2026. Following this round, any places remaining vacant will be offered nationally via a second round of auditions, taking place in November 2026.

The auditions will consist of 2-3 standard excerpts and 1 free-choice performance piece. Excerpts will be provided on application.

All auditions will be filmed for future reference.

Financial Arrangements

As this program forms part of a Work Integrated Learning Unit there is no payment for students. QCGU and UQ students will accrue credit points for their Work Integrated Learning course. Any rehearsal and performance calls over and above the lessons, sessions, rehearsal and performance calls (40) listed here, if offered, will be paid at the QSO casual musician rate.

Eligibility and Requirements

The QSO Academy Program is a 6-month commitment and successful candidates will need to be resident in Brisbane from 1 February – 31 July 2027 inclusive.
If you intend to study, you will need to plan any course work or personal research around the Academy schedule.
Applications to audition will be accepted from the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Horn, Trumpet and Trombone.
Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Students wishing to audition must be enrolled at UQ or QCGU and in their 3rd or 4th year of study in Semester 1, 2027.
Students must be eligible to enrol in a Work Integrated Learning unit during Semester 1, 2027.
Conservatorium students will still need to take part in the ensemble components of the Artistic Practice course where they do not clash with Academy commitments.

How to Apply

Applications are now open for tertiary students who will be enrolled at either QCGU or UQ in 2026, and close at 5pm on Monday 24 August 2026. Applicants should register for an audition by emailing recruit@qso.com.au with the following information: