E&E Newsletter: May 2026
Freelance Survival Camp summer school, festival work placements, F-List research conference, and the latest local vacancies.
Welcome to your May update from the Employability & Enterprise (E&E) Team.
Freelance Survival Camp
Summer School
13 – 17 July 2026
Delivered in collaboration with Leeds Arts University, this exciting week-long programme is designed to help emerging creatives build the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to thrive as freelancers and develop a successful portfolio career.
With sessions led by local solicitors, YouBee Media, and other industry professionals, the week will be packed with practical advice and insight covering marketing, self-promotion, sustainability, finance, and the realities of freelance life in the creative industries.
Freelance Survival Camp is open to final-year undergraduate students, postgraduates, and recent graduates/alumni. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, collaborate, and stay connected over the summer, while also meeting graphic designers and creatives from a wide range of disciplines attending from across Leeds Arts University courses.
Click the button and complete the form to be notified when sign ups are open.
If you have any questions please contact the Employability & Enterprise team.
Festival Work Placements – Parklife Festival 2026
20 – 21 June 2026
Manchester
Want to gain hands-on experience working at a major UK music festival?
Parklife Festival is offering work placements for Leeds Conservatoire students through Artist Operations across areas including:
- Artist Liaison
- Accreditation
- Runner roles
- Logistics and Hospitality
The placements are unpaid but include:
- Full festival access
- Staff camping
- Two meal tokens per shift
Apply
To apply contact Ella Shepherd (ella@artistoperations.co.uk)
The Employability & Enterprise team will also provide funding for travel to and from the festival for successful applicants. We’re also happy to support students with applications and CV advice.
For travel funding or application support, contact: EaE@lcm.ac.uk
Click the thumbnails below for festival ops.
F-List Research Conference
Speak Out! Women’s Voices in Music
20 – 21 May 2026
Leeds City Museum & Online
We’re pleased to support the 5th Annual F-List Research Hub Conference, organised under the auspices of the Gender in Music Research Hub alongside ICMP and Leeds Conservatoire.
This two-day conference brings together artists, researchers and industry professionals to explore women’s voices in music and the wider creative industries.
Visit the conference page to view the full schedule and book your free ticket.
Content warning: Discussions may include sexual violence, rape, gender discrimination and sexism.
Monthly CV Clinic
Friday 8 May 2026
Need help with your CV, applications, or portfolio?
Our monthly CV Clinics offer students and recent graduates the chance to book a one-to-one session with an Employability & Enterprise adviser.
Book a slot if you are:
- Applying for jobs
- Updating your CV
- Preparing for freelance work
- Unsure where to start
Appointments are available throughout the year and open to students across all pathways and year groups, as well as recent graduates.
Short Course: How to Start A Project or Business
Have an idea for a creative project, company or freelance career but not sure how to get started?
Our online short course will help you turn your ideas into a clear artist or business plan, with guidance on:
- Developing your concept
- Planning your project
- Budgeting and funding
- Preparing funding applications
This course is available exclusively to current students and alumni of Leeds Conservatoire.
Current Job Opportunities
Here are a selection of current music and drama opportunities in Yorkshire and around the UK.
Associate Conductor 2026-27 Season
- Role: Associate Conductor
- Organisation: Covent Garden Chorus
- Location: London
- Deadline: 10th May 2026
The CGC Associate Conductors’ Scheme is aimed at conductors studying on, or considering applying for, studies in choral conducting. The scheme runs seasonally with 1 conductor gaining a place each season. We are now looking to select our next Associate Conductor for October 2026 – June 2027.
Choral Scholarships
- Organisation: Halifax Choral Society
- Location: Halifax
- Deadline: 6th July 2026
Halifax Choral Society seeks to appoint Choral Scholars for their 2026/27 season. Applications are welcome in all voice parts, though we particularly seek to appoint an Alto, Tenor and Bass.
Professional Musicians Wanted For Teaching
- Role: Music Teacher
- Organisation: musicly
- Location: Hull
- Deadline: 26 January 2027
musicly are seeking experienced music teachers to join our team and provide high-quality music education in schools in Hull.
Get In Touch
Don’t forget to keep an eye on Employability & Enterprise emails and opportunities throughout the summer term for jobs, placements, workshops and funding calls.
Book via this link
Email: eae@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
Room 401
Best,
James, Lauren, Mark & Elysha
The Employability & Enterprise Team
Room 401
EaE@lcm.ac.uk
Current Vacancies
- Associate Conductor – Covent Garden Chorus
- Choral Scholarships – Halifax Choral Society
- musicly: Professional Musicians for Music Tuition in Hull
We will ensure to update this with opportunities we see relevant, as often as possible. If you don’t see an opportunity that suits you, contact EaE@lcm.ac.uk to explore other ways we can support you.
Callouts & Opportunities
Not seeing something that takes your interest? Check out our Performance and Industry Opportunities page for other initiatives that you can get involved with!