• 4 Oct 2025, 2:04 p.m., Scottish Opera website and social media, Online, Scotland, UK, None

Factory Weekend is an opportunity for young classical music performers to take part in a weekend of creative music making. If you are an instrumentalist aged 18-28, interested in playing contemporary music and exploring some new skills in a fun and supportive environment, then our two day workshop is for you! No previous experience in contemporary music needed – just curiosity and enthusiasm.

Places are fully funded but limited, so apply early to make sure you don’t miss out!

Lunch and coffee/tea will be provided on both days.

What to expect during the weekend

Factory Weekend is all about creative music making and will include: working on improvisation and new compositions, playing alongside Red Note musicians, and putting together a performance of an open score piece.

There will be rhythm skills games, and you will get the chance to try sketching out your own piece. We will also have discussions and advice sessions on working with composers and building your own projects.

This is an opportunity to gain experience in playing new music, to meet some of the Red Note team, and to explore some new skills. We’re always on the lookout for the new generation of talent, so it is also a chance for us to meet some potential future Red Note musicians as well!

Factory Weekend is primarily aimed at music students and recent graduates aiming at careers as performers, but we also welcome applications from people who are not studying music but play their instrument to a high level. Places are open to players of any orchestral instrument, plus guitar and saxophone. 

Unfortunately we can’t accommodate pianists this time.

When and where

Factory Weekend will take place in Glasgow at Scottish Opera on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. Lunch, tea/coffee and pastries will be provided.

Places are fully funded but strictly limited, and you will need to be available for both days.

How to apply
Fill out the application form *HERE*