About
“My first CoMA performance was life-changing. Being accepted as a viable and important participant in spite of being an inexperienced player hugely increased my confidence, and the creativity has been a continuing influence on my life ever since.”
– CoMA London member
CoMA hosts a national network of ensembles for amateur musicians, offering opportunities throughout the UK and Europe (plus CoMA Melbourne in Australia!) to meet fellow music lovers in your area, create new works with living composers and expand your musical horizons. Our ensembles are open to anyone 16+, and no audition is required.
Joining a CoMA ensemble means you can build on your current musical skills, whilst also trying something new. Many CoMA members had their first experiences in writing their own music by composing for an ensemble. Being part of an ensemble also opens up national and international opportunities to travel and take part in large events such as CoMA Festival and Klangwerkstatt Berlin.
Our national network of local ensembles and their individual partnerships form a web of networks, bringing people together from all walks of life in a joyful musical cohesive community. 65% of CoMA’s current members have been involved for 20+ years, whilst each year 15% of the membership are new.
Starting an ensemble?
If there isn’t an ensemble in your area, we can support you to start one!
To form a CoMA ensemble, you ideally would need at least four regular participants and a musical director (MD), who is paid from the ensemble’s participants fees. You will also need a volunteer to act as the ensemble Chair, taking care of most of the administration.
We can provide you with the CoMA Ensembles Handbook which details how ensembles work, and can answer any questions you have along the way. Ensembles choose and purchase their own music, receiving a discount on works in CoMA’s catalogue.
If you are interested and would like to learn more, do get in touch for advice via info@coma.org.
Ensemble Documents
Ensemble Chairs can access the Ensemble Support Documents here. If you have forgotten the required password, please contact the CoMA team.
