Sing for Pleasure launches 2026–27 Young Conducting Scholarship with newly redesigned Conductor Training Programme
Sing for Pleasure is delighted to open applications for its Young Conducting Scholarship 2026–27 on Monday 24 August 2026.
The specially designed, year-long programme supports promising young musicians aged 18–25 as they develop their skills, confidence and experience as conductors and vocal leaders. Scholars will receive funded places on Sing for Pleasure courses (including an allowance for travel/expenses), a small selection of SfP resources, and one-to-one mentoring and support throughout the year.
For 2026–27, the scholarship sits within our Conductor Training Programme, with all levels of SfP’s newly redesigned training pathway now in place. The programme offers recipients the opportunity to deepen their understanding of working with choirs, gain practical experience and develop their own leadership style. Alongside their training, scholars will build connections with other choral leaders, broaden their aspirations and become part of the wider Sing for Pleasure community.
Following the initial year’s training, there will be opportunities to explore continued training and development with SfP.
Sing for Pleasure is committed to increasing representation of conductors and vocal leaders from Global Majority backgrounds within UK choral leadership. Each year, we aim to offer at least two scholarships to aspiring conductors and vocal leaders from Global Majority backgrounds, supporting access to our training programmes and wider community.
“One of the things we value most at Sing for Pleasure is creating spaces where people can learn, try things out and grow in confidence. The Young Conducting Scholarship gives emerging conductors the time, support and opportunities to develop their skills and discover their own approach to leading choirs. We’re thrilled that scholars this year will experience our recently refreshed and fully developed Conductor Training Programme.” Imelda Shirley (Head of Learning, Sing for Pleasure)
Applications for the Young Conducting Scholarship 2026–27 open on Monday 24 August, and the deadline is 11.59pm on Sunday 4 October.
The first group training weekend takes place in Manchester on 7 & 8 November; subsequent training dates (which candidates must be free to attend) are:
13–14 Feb: London Weekend
5–6 June: West Midlands Weekend (date TBC)
7–14 Aug: Summer School 2024
Find out more and apply at www.singforpleasure.org.uk/bursaries-scholarships.
“My experience as a Young Conductor with Sing for Pleasure (SfP) has been truly invaluable. After being awarded the scholarship, I set myself three simple goals: learn to use more confident gestures, gain new teaching strategies, and practise fun vocal warm-ups. I gained all of these and so much more. Observing conductors from a range of music backgrounds taught me how to bring my own personality and energy to the podium, while SfP’s supportive learning environment allowed me to openly tackle areas for growth. My confidence skyrocketed both on and off the podium, transforming me into a better-equipped, authentic choral leader. I am deeply grateful to SfP for helping me grow and look forward to spreading its joyful ethos everywhere I go.”
Frankie Richards (Young Conducting Scholar, 2025-26)
“My confidence grew in many ways – in being able to stand in front of a choir as well as trusting my own decisions and abilities. I was able to refine the effectiveness of my teaching techniques, and learn a variety of new techniques to add to my skill set! The opportunity to network at these courses can easily slip under the radar, but the connections I was able to make with tutors and professionals will continue to aid and drive my journey as a professional singer and leader. My love for singing and music making has grown considerably over the last year, and that is all thanks to the support from Sing for Pleasure. I will be taking all that I learnt and continue to use this incredible training throughout my teaching and singing career.”
Zeshaan Shain (Young Conducting Scholar, 2025-26)
“The Young Conducting Scholarship with Sing for Pleasure was everything I hoped for and more. I went in looking to improve my gesture, and I was met with a rigorous curriculum covering music pedagogy, rehearsal technique, repertoire analysis, leadership, and, of course, conducting gesture. This was all delivered by some of the kindest, most inspiring people you will ever meet. I cannot recommend this scholarship more highly.”
Donncha McGonagh, (Young Conducting Scholar, 2025-26)
“I had been aware of Sing for Pleasure for several years before I applied. It’s always been an organisation I’ve wanted to get involved with, so I was incredibly excited when I heard I was to receive this scholarship, and this year has definitely lived up to my expectations. I’ve learned so much about conducting gesture, rehearsing and being a good musical leader. These courses have been a very unique opportunity to play and experiment with conducting. Sometimes it worked wonderfully, other times less so, but that opportunity to try in a fully supportive environment is rare and so valuable. Sing for Pleasure is also full of such an incredible range of people that I have been able to learn from. It’s such a joy-filled experience and I had so much fun on every course. I’m leaving this scholarship with more confidence and security in my conducting and so much love for this organisation.”
Richard Pullan (Young Conducting Scholar, 2025-26)
For further information please email:
Sing for Pleasure
Imelda Shirley, Head of Learning (learning@singforpleasure.org.uk)
OR
Katy Lavinia Cooper, Digital Lead (digital@singforpleasure.org.uk).
www.singforpleasure.org.uk/bursaries-scholarships
About Sing for Pleasure
Sing for Pleasure champions the transformative power of the human voice. We foster high-quality singing in schools and choirs, provide unrivalled training for conductors, teachers and vocal leaders, work in community and healthcare settings, publish outstanding choral resources and commission new music. Everyone who recognises the life-changing joy of singing has a home with us – regardless of their skills or background.