At the beginning of February, Karin Antunović, representing the Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO), took part in the meeting EFNYO Musicians Lounge, where young musicians from various European countries spoke openly about the challenges they face on the path to a professional career in music.
The discussion showed that young musicians across Europe often face very similar questions: from uncertainty about rights and working conditions to a lack of mentoring support, limited opportunities and fierce competition at auditions. Below we summarise the key points of the meeting, which may also be helpful for members of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra.
Young musicians often don't know their rights
One of the important topics of the discussion was that young musicians often know too little about their rights, pay standards and the basic terms of involvement in projects. Many do not know what a fair contract means, when they are entitled to be paid for rehearsals, and what to look out for before signing an agreement.
It is therefore essential for a young musician to become familiar as early as possible with the basics of copyright, contractual relationships and working conditions in the music world. It is also important to discuss these matters with mentors, professors and older colleagues who have more experience of professional work.
A professional career in music brings fierce competition
Participants in the meeting stressed that there are few vacancies in professional orchestras and that competition is extremely fierce. Young musicians therefore often look for opportunities abroad as well, which means extra costs, more logistics and greater personal uncertainty.
That is precisely why thorough preparation for orchestral auditions is all the more important. The meeting also highlighted proposals for new audition formats, such as trial periods and group auditions, in which candidates could demonstrate not only technical skill but also ensemble playing, responsiveness and musicianship within a group. For SMO members, this is a clear reminder that every orchestral experience is an important part of preparing for the future.
Mentoring and international exchanges are invaluable for young musicians
Almost all participants agreed that mentoring, tutoring and side-by-side projects with professional musicians are among the most valuable experiences on the path to a profession. Such projects give young people direct contact with the real expectations of the music world, while building self-confidence, work habits and a sense of belonging to the profession.
Particularly valuable are also international exchanges, as through them young musicians expand their network of contacts, discover different musical approaches and learn in the wider European arena.
At the Slovenian Youth Orchestra we therefore strive for as many projects as possible that enable young musicians to connect, grow and gain direct experience of working with professionals.
Diverse projects develop different musical skills
The discussion also showed that young musicians want more diverse projects: chamber ensembles, Baroque programmes, period-instrument approaches and other forms of work that allow more intensive collaboration and faster progress.
Different ensembles develop different competences. A symphony orchestra builds breadth, discipline and collective responsibility, whereas chamber music demands more independence, closer attention to others and more direct musical communication.
It is therefore valuable for a young musician to take part in as wide a variety of projects as possible, as this is exactly what broadens their artistic and professional readiness in the long term.
Playing skills alone are not enough for success in music
Another important point of the meeting was that a modern professional career in music requires more than just excellent performing skills. Today, young musicians also need knowledge of communication, digital identity, presenting their work, project management and a basic understanding of how cultural projects are funded.
Such skills matter because they help young people present their projects better, build their profile and find their way more easily in a rapidly changing music landscape.
In this area too, we at SMO want to gradually introduce more content and training to help young musicians prepare for the future in a holistic way.
What do these meetings tell you as an SMO member?
The EFNYO Musicians Lounge meeting showed that young musicians all over Europe face similar questions: how to prepare for auditions, how to build a professional career, how to find mentors and how to keep a balance between ambition and well-being.
That is exactly why, at SMO, we want to keep developing projects that offer young musicians more than just a stage. We want to build a space for mentoring, international networking, education, diverse musical experiences and better preparation for the professional world.
Your voice and your experience matter here. That is why we invite you to stay active, share your needs and make the most of the opportunities that we, as the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, are creating for your future.
Well-being is the foundation of a long-term music career
At the meeting, young musicians also spoke openly about stress, pressure and the constant striving for perfection. A competitive environment, frequent comparisons and uncertainty about the future can significantly affect mental and physical health.
Participants therefore stressed the importance of well-being, mental stability, physical preparation and preventive practices such as stretching, yoga, body awareness and healthy daily routines. Taking care of yourself is not something peripheral but an essential part of a long-term career in music.
At the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, we too recognise that young musicians cannot develop to the highest level without support for their overall well-being.
