The Classical:NEXT Fellowship Programme is a dedicated initiative designed to provide young, talented musicians and professionals with meaningful access to the international music industry at the start of their careers. Since it began in 2016, the programme has served as a welcoming entry point for composers and performing artists to engage with the global classical music ecosystem and meet professionals from around the world.
For the first time this year, the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) is partnering with Classical:NEXT. We warmly encourage our member institutions to participate by selecting promising students or recent alumni for the 2026 edition of this programme.
Why Support Your Students in This Journey?
For Higher Music Education institutions, this programme offers a practical way to support students as they transition from the practice room to the professional stage. It is an opportunity to provide them with:
- Personal Mentorship: Every Fellow is paired with a “C:N-Insider”—an experienced professional who offers personal guidance, shares industry advice, and answers the student’s specific career questions.
- Direct Industry Connections: Through their mentors, Fellows are personally introduced to relevant individuals and companies, helping them build a professional network that lasts beyond the event.
- A Global Perspective: Students come into direct contact with international delegates, allowing them to see how the global music ecosystem functions firsthand.
- Year-Round Digital Community: Fellows receive full access to the Classical:NEXT Connect platform, ensuring they can stay in touch with the colleagues they meet for the entire year.
- Institutional Growth: By sending a representative alongside the Fellow, your institution strengthens its own international ties and stays connected to the latest developments in the professional field.
The 2026 Fellowship Experience
The programme is structured to ensure students feel supported and prepared throughout the experience:
- Preparation & Workshops: Includes special pre-event workshops and meetings to help Fellows get the most out of the gathering.
- Onsite Guidance: Participation in a “Newbie Session” and dedicated networking help from their C:N-Insiders.
- Mentorship Formats: Opportunities for both intimate roundtable discussions and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
- Community Building: Social events like the “Meet the Fellows” reception and a dedicated “Fellows Get Together” help students build a peer network of other young professionals.
Participation Costs
The following fees apply for institutions participating in this partnership:
- Institutional Fee: €250 (one-time fee).
- Representative’s Registration: €370 (a representative from the institution is required to attend to accompany the Fellow).
- Administrative Fee: €90 per Fellow.
- Fellow Registration:
- Students: €100 per Fellow.
- Young Professionals/Alumni: €270 per Fellow.
How to Apply
AEC encourages its members to identify outstanding students and young alumni who would benefit from this professional exchange. Interested students and/or alumni should get in touch with their home institutions to begin the internal application process.
For any questions or queries regarding the 2026 programme and to send the information about the selected fellows, the AEC Members should contact the Classical:NEXT team at fellowships@classicalnext.com
The deadline to select fellow to participate in this year’s event is 13 February 2026.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Music
This partnership between AEC and Classical:NEXT is a natural alignment of shared goals. Both organisations are committed to empowering the next generation of artists as the creative makers of tomorrow. While AEC focuses on the excellence of education and artistic development, Classical:NEXT provides the essential professional bridge to the global stage. By joining forces, we aim to ensure that emerging talents do not just enter the industry, but have the tools, networks, and confidence to actively shape the future of the classical and contemporary music landscape.
