EQ Apprentice
Applications now open for EQ Apprentice 2026
Introduction
The EQ Apprentice is a distinctive scheme created by the Edinburgh Quartet for exceptionally talented young string players keen to develop a career in chamber music. Following on from the success of our previous editions, which have launched several exceptional young players into professional chamber music careers, we are once again opening applications to outstanding young string players from the UK and Ireland’s top music colleges, universities, and conservatoires.
This is a unique opportunity to experience playing with one of Britain’s foremost chamber ensembles and to gain invaluable professional performance experience.
Finalists will have the opportunity to perform alongside members of the Quartet in the public final at St Cecilia’s Hall, Edinburgh, on Saturday 28 February 2026. At the conclusion of the event, one winner will be invited to become the Quartet’s Apprentice for the 2026/27 season, joining the Edinburgh Quartet in rehearsal and performance as part of its professional concert series.
Timeline
Friday 7 November 2025 - Applications open
Friday 9 January 2026, 12 noon - Deadline for applications
Friday 16 January 2026 - Finalist shortlist announced
Friday 30 January 2026 - Finalists to confirm selected repertoire
Saturday 28 February 2026 - Final event at St Cecilia’s Hall
Winner announced at the conclusion of the final event
Stage 1 – Application
Entrants are invited to submit:
A CV detailing relevant performance and educational experience
A covering letter explaining why you wish to enter the competition
Details of two referees (one must be your current instrumental tutor)
Please email your application by 12 noon on Friday 9 January 2026 to:
📧 admin@edinburghquartet.com
📞 +44 (0)7941 819 458
All applicants will be notified by Friday 16 January 2026 whether they have been shortlisted for the final.
Stage 2 – Final Performance
Shortlisted finalists will be invited to take part in the public final on Saturday 28 February 2026 at St Cecilia’s Hall, Edinburgh.
Each finalist will perform on stage with members of the Edinburgh Quartet, taking the place of one Quartet member within the ensemble, or alongside the entire Quartet (for double bass finalists).
Finalists should prepare two contrasting movements from the following repertoire list:
One movement from Haydn String Quartet Op. 76 No. 5 or Mozart String Quartet K. 465 “Dissonance”
One movement from Dvořák String Quartet Op. 96 “American” or Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 13 in A minor
Double bass applicants should prepare one movement from Dvořák String Quintet in G major, Op. 77, and one movement from Dittersdorf Quintet in D major, or an equivalent Classical-era quintet for string quartet and double bass. Violinists must confirm whether they will perform violin I or violin II.
The event will be open to the public, and friends, family, and supporters are warmly invited. The Edinburgh Quartet will perform a free lunchtime concert on the day of the competition, which finalists are encouraged to attend.
At the conclusion of the final, one participant will be invited to become the Edinburgh Quartet Apprentice for 2026/27, joining the Quartet for rehearsals and a series of professional concert performances during the season.
Rules
The competition is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and double bassists aged 18–25, resident or studying in the UK or Ireland
Applicants must be available to attend the final on Saturday 28 February 2026
All reasonable expenses related to rehearsal and concert participation will be covered for the chosen Apprentice
Travel and accommodation costs to attend the final are the responsibility of the entrants
Please note: Irish citizens do not require a visa to travel to the UK. International students studying in Ireland should check UK entry requirements and may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa to attend the final in Edinburgh
Further Information
For all enquiries, please contact:
📧 admin@edinburghquartet.com
🌐 www.edinburghquartet.com
EQ Apprentice 2026 is generously supported by Dr JW Keeling, a member of the Friends of the Edinburgh Quartet.