We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining Tarang!
This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary journey with the only Indian music ensemble of its kind in the world. With Tarang, we offer aspiring and professional musicians in the UK a vibrant and supportive environment to explore their creativity, discover their sound, perform, and connect through the rich traditions of Indian Classical music.
How do I join Tarang?
We open applications to join Tarang each year in August. We announce the dates primarily via social media (Milapfest and Tarang_uk) and of course always have it listed here as well.
Our application process is simple:
- Membership is by audition , so you’ll first need to fill out a registration form and apply for an audition place. You’ll need to include a link to an audition audio sample file within your application.
- If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to attend an audition, which may be in person or held online depending on your location and times which best suit yourself and our audition team. You’ll need to attend the audition at the agreed time and place. Failure to do so may result in a withdrawal of your audition place.
- You’ll be notified within 10 working days with an outcome of your audition. If successful, you’ll need to confirm that you’d like to join the orchestra within three working days and arrange to send your membership fee payment within two weeks of receiving our initial email to you. If you are unsuccessful, we can work with you to discuss areas of improvement and together with your parent / guardian / music teacher work out a development plan.
Eligibility
Tarang is open to emerging artists and advanced level learners, exploring a career in Indian music.
Application Process
Your journey to joining Tarang starts with a simple application form. On the basis of your application and your audio sample, you’ll be invited to one of our auditions.
Important dates
Application Deadline: 8th September 2024
Audition Dates:
14th & 15th Sept 2024
21st & 22nd Sept 2024
If your application passes the first stage, you will be invited for a second audition. Details about the audition process and expectations will be communicated to successful applicants.
FAQs
How much training do I need to have before joining?
We’ve found over the years that students with at least 3-4 years of continuous formal training in any form of Indian classical music (and who are still in training currently) are able to keep up with the pace of learning and development within the orchestra most comfortably.
Do I need to know either Hindustani or Carnatic?
Formal training in either one of the Indian classical musical formats (Hindustani/Carnatic) is mandatory.
Is there a fee to apply to audition?
No. The application and audition opportunity are free of cost.
Can I apply for multiple instruments?
Yes! Just be sure to mention what instrument(s) you’d like to play on the application form.
What is the membership fee?
To support the comprehensive benefits of being a ensemble member, including tuition, accommodation, and meals at the Music India Summer School, we ask members to make a financial contribution in the form of Membership Fees (as detailed below). The actual cost of participating in the ensembles exceeds £3,500 per person, excluding the additional costs of music production, administration, and ensemble management. This represents a significant investment in your career development. Thanks to public funding and donations, we are able to subsidize these costs, passing the savings on to you. Membership costs include (but are not limited to): Training with world-class artists, summer residential costs, weekend retreats, rehearsals, compositions, recordings and resources. The cost of ensemble membership is £1200 for the full 18 month membership calendar.
Is there any financial support for the membership fee?
At Milap, we believe that talented young musicians from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to join our ensembles, regardless of financial circumstances. Membership fees should never be a barrier to participation. We offer financial support through bursaries for musicians who may be unable to cover the cost of membership. Please contact us for more information!
What an 18 month period of Tarang might look like:
October 2024 – Autumn Beginnings – London – 2 days
The members are officially inducted into the MILAP family, followed by 2 days of discovering themselves in the Ensemble
February 2025 – Winter Weekend – London – 2 days
A 2-day Weekend full of intense learning under the experts and activities to strengthen your bond and skills with the Ensemble
April 2025 – Easter and the Ensembles – London – 3 days
The Perfect 3-day retreat, to deepen your learning with Workshops, Bootcamps and produce 1 track with the ensemble at a Studio. Chamber concert performance opportunities for members in Combined evening with SAMYO.
July/August 2025 – Music India – Liverpool – 6 days
A 6-day Residential Festival of sorts with the who’s who of Indian Music, packaged with Open mic concerts Boot camps, workshops, music making and intense production workshops each day, in a fitting farewell to the Ensembles Calendar year. We will create 2 pieces of music during this weekend.
August 2025 – Video Shoot – Liverpool
The ensemble comes together to shoot music videos for the songs created over the past year.
October 2025 – Autumn Catchup – London – 2 days
We resume creating new music with skill development workshops.
February 2026 – Winter Weekend – London – 2 days
A 2-day Weekend full of Music Production/Recording in the Studio, to create ideas for new songs.
March 2026 – Grand Showcase – LONDON – 2 Days (1 day Rehearsal + 1 day Concert)
The Finale of the Membership Calendar ends with a large scale concert, along with the release of an EP created by the ensembles over the past 18 months.