AEM’s 2027 Emerging Ensemble Residency will provide one ensemble of between 2 and 6 historical performance specialists the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and hone their craft during a 9-day paid residency scheduled between May and August 2027 in Tucson, Arizona.*

The EER is simultaneously an ensemble retreat, where the selected ensemble will have ample private time to rehearse together, and a residency program that includes:

• A $6,000 Ensemble Prize and up to $3,200 in travel reimbursement
• Three performances in Southern Arizona
• A period of ensemble and entrepreneurial coaching with a mentor matched to the selected ensemble
• Informal seminars with AEM Board Members and staff covering topics relevant for the next generation of touring musicians

*Specific details pertaining to the residency dates (between May and August 2027), performance venues, and ensemble coaching will be set in consultation with the selected ensemble.

AEM will provide private accommodations and a rehearsal space. Additionally, the ensemble will receive:

• a $6,000 Ensemble Prize,
• and up to $3,200 in travel reimbursement (to be used for airfare within North America, and a rental car for on-the-ground transportation in Tucson).

The ERR is designed for an ensemble that is at least 6-months old and formed by 2 to 6 young professionals at the beginnings of their careers. Eligible ensembles:

• have been active for at least 6 months,
• consist of members who, at the time of application and the residency, have the legal right to work in the United States,*
• consist entirely of members between 18 and 35 years old,
• consist of between 2 to 6 members,
• have at least one licensed driver,
• and perform using period instruments and/or historically informed approaches to singing.

*Citizens from other countries who are studying in the United States are encouraged to apply, but must have the requisite US training or work permits to participate in the residency. Arizona Early Music will not be responsible for procuring permissions necessary to participate in this residency and we respectfully request that applicants know in advance that they are eligible, and submit proof of their eligibility as a supplemental document in the EER application.

Applications to the EER must be submitted at the following link: EER Application Form. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. MST on November 30.

Applications will undergo two rounds of review:

• Round 1 will be conducted by an internal panel from AEM’s Programs Committee. Applicants will be notified of their status by December 20.
• Round 2 will be conducted by an external panel of jurors. Applicants who advance to the second round may be asked to virtually interview with the jury. Applicants will be notified of their status by February 1.

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials to AEM through the EER Application Form:

• Statement of Intent (500 words max)
• Ensemble Bio (250 words max)
• Member Bios (200 words max per bio)
• Publicity Photo of your ensemble
• 3 performance videos of individual movements/pieces*
• a 2–5 minute spoken video introduction featuring members of your ensembles*
  • There is no set prompt for this component of the application. Sample prompts to speak on could include:
    • What is your ensemble’s origin story?
    • What is one piece you are excited to work on together and why?
    • What specifically are you hoping to achieve through the EER?
    • How does your ensemble see itself in the scope of the Historically Informed Performance movement? 
• 3 professional references (phone numbers and email addresses)
• a 3-year ensemble plan and how the EER may help you accomplish that plan
• Up to 5 supplemental documents/images demonstrating your ensemble’s past activities
  • Examples include past programs, photos, and awards/grants

*PLEASE NOTE: All videos should be provided as YouTube links and published publicly or as unlisted.