What makes this ensemble so unique is the creative freedom and trust between the players. Every musician has a voice, and that creates a powerful sense of connection within the orchestra and with audiences. The Academy has always believed in sharing and passing that spirit on. Through fellowships, side-by-side projects, mentoring, masterclasses, player development programmes, and through collaboration across the classical music world, the orchestra invests in the very foundations of the industry.— Joshua Bell, ASMF Music Director
ASMF’s distinctive playing style is recognised by audiences worldwide as the pinnacle of chamber-music playing at an orchestral scale: the creative empowerment of our players leads to dynamism, risk-taking, trust and responsibility that is truly distinctive from others in the sector, and the direct connection to the audience invites them to be part of the experience.
Player-led music-making is at the core of ASMF’s identity, and the principles of it feeds its entire output – from the rehearsal room, to the stage, and in our social purpose projects. Supporting the development of these skills among younger players is a core priority of ASMF, and no orchestra is better placed to advocate and develop them, in the UK or internationally.
We work in partnership with organisations across the UK and alongside our international touring offer to develop the next generation of brilliant, empowered musicians.
My confidence performing in chamber music settings and in player-led ensembles has grown so much throughout the scheme. It was amazing to receive specific chamber music mentorship from an orchestra of this calibre— Anna Mitchell, Associate Fellow 2026
Associate Fellowships for early-career violinists give aspiring portfolio chamber musicians full immersion in ASMF’s chamber concerts, supported by coaching from our world-class players, helping them level-up their playing from brilliant to outstanding
Side-by-side projects give younger players the chance to sit alongside ASMF’s members to rehearse and perform. Delivered with long-term partners such as Sinfonia Smith Square and in international residency projects such as at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, these experiences expose young players to the experience of playing in orchestral forces without a conductor that is seldom offered in conservatoire training, unlocking a new style of playing through collaborative work
Residencies with Higher Education Institutions and Junior Departments in the UK and around the world provide beacons for player-led music-making in the engine-room of musical development, where young people have longer-term access to the knowledge and experience of our players.
Developing future community practitioners through our long-term partnership with the Royal Academy of Music’s Open Academy, where students are invited to join the delivery team of our projects in homelessness settings to learn from the experience of our players.
Chamber Music Coaching for Secondary Schools provide opportunities for student ensembles to receive support from our players in their school setting, inspiring them to continue developing their skills and learn more about
Open rehearsals for schools give young people the rare chance to get an inside view of how orchestras prepare for concerts and international tours, and the chance to experience live orchestral music up-close.
To find out more, or if you’re interested in working with us, simply get in touch.
