{"id":32715,"date":"2026-03-12T14:01:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T14:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.art-bsa.eu\/2026\/03\/12\/mladi_glasbeniki_efnyo_srecanje\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T06:42:21","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T06:42:21","slug":"mladi_glasbeniki_efnyo_srecanje","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.art-bsa.eu\/en\/2026\/03\/12\/mladi_glasbeniki_efnyo_srecanje\/","title":{"rendered":"Young musicians on the challenges on the road to a professional career"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At the beginning of February, Karin Antunovi\u0107, representing the Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO), took part in the meeting EFNYO Musicians Lounge<\/strong><\/a>, where young musicians from various European countries spoke openly about the challenges they face on the path to a professional career in music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n

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Young musicians often don't know their rights<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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A professional career in music brings fierce competition<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

That is precisely why thorough preparation for orchestral auditions<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mentoring and international exchanges are invaluable for young musicians<\/h2>\n

Almost all participants agreed that mentoring<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Particularly valuable are also international exchanges<\/strong>, as through them young musicians expand their network of contacts, discover different musical approaches and learn in the wider European arena.<\/p>\n

At the Slovenian Youth Orchestra<\/a> we therefore strive for as many projects as possible that enable young musicians to connect, grow and gain direct experience of working with professionals.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>