Does each member of the group have to fill in a separate application form?
Yes, each member of the group must fill in a form. If you need help please contact Gillian Green the Auditions Officer, who can then put you in touch with your local branch for help.

How much do we get paid?
Fees vary depending on the length and type of performance. These are reviewed annually in order to ensure that they compare favourably with the fee scales of similar organisations and are within the professional bodies' guidelines. LMN contributes towards the cost of travel and subsistence when you are away from home and covers accommodation costs as necessary.

How much does it cost to audition?
£25 per musician or £20 per musician for groups larger than a trio, payable by cheque or postal order. Please note: your cheque for the fee is only cashed at the time of audition but is non-refundable. If you think you may have a problem paying the audition fee, please discuss this with the Auditions Officer.

I live outside the United Kingdom. Can I apply?
Only musicians who are resident in the UK and Ireland can apply.

I am still a student. Can I apply?
Yes. However, you need to consider whether you have time available to give performances on week-days during the day-time, when most performances take place.

I work during the day time. Can I still apply?
Most LMN performances take place on week days during the day time. Any other commitments should allow you some availability during these times in order to be able to accept LMN work.

Is there any kind of music that isn't suitable?
All live music is suitable. If you need to use electronic equipment you must be able to provide your own, transport it and be able to set up easily.

What is your age limit?
As it is Live Music Now's priority to work with young musicians, there is an age limit at which musicians leave the scheme (27 for instrumentalists, 30 for singers). Musicians should ideally be at least a couple of years younger than the relevant age at the time of auditioning.

Are there any exceptions to the age limit?
There are certain circumstances in which Live Music Now can consider making exceptions to the age limit, on a case by case basis. For example for:

• Musicians from a tradition whose training/musical development follows a different path and time-scale to that of the classical Western tradition
• Groups with an older "mentor" figure whose role is key to the music's tradition
• Musicians whose recent move to this country has interrupted the start of their performing career

Will I need to apply for a CRB/Disclosure Scotland/Access Northern Ireland check?
All musicians accepted on to the scheme will need to possess a current (less than 4 years) check at Enhanced level. If musicians need to apply for a new check they will be guided through the procedure.

Where will we be offered work?
Performances and workshops take place all over the UK in a wide variety of settings. Once accepted onto the scheme you may be asked to work anywhere in the UK, not just where you are based.

Do we have to play in all types of venues?
Live Music Now will try to organise work to suit you or your group. We will always ask first if you are happy to play in a particular kind of venue and if there are situations with which you are not comfortable, you will be able to say no to these.

How do I get to the venues?
Live Music Now does not provide or organise transport for you, but will pay for your petrol or train, bus etc.

When do performances take place?
Mostly on weekdays during the day-time. If you are working for a period of time away from your home-base, this means staying overnight in the part of the country where the work is taking place.

Do I have to accept all the work that LMN offers me?
No. If you are not available, another group will be offered the work.

How many bookings will the group get?
On average, LMN groups will be offered a minimum of 12-20 a year.

Can I do other work as well as working for Live Music Now?
Yes. All musicians on the scheme are freelance and do a range of other performances and work.

What kind of training will I get?
Live Music Now will offer training and support throughout your time on the scheme. See Training for more details

If you have a question that is not covered here please let us know.