Music Publishers Association

Internship – Contemporary Music Department

Schott is a global company which, alongside its core music publishing functions, includes a record label, book and magazine department, printing company and a large distribution warehouse dealing with both the hire and sale of sheet music. Its head office is located in Mainz, Germany with principal offices in London, New York and Tokyo. We are offering a full-time, 6 month internship with Schott London’s Contemporary Music Department. 

The Contemporary Music Department is responsible for promotion of Schott composers, their works and works from other catalogues that we represent. Works in the Schott catalogue include some of the most well known in the classical music canon such as Orff’s Carmina Burana, Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Tippett’s A Child of Our Time. Schott also publishes new works by internationally renowned living composers such as Gavin Bryars, Peter Eötvös, Chaya Czernowin, Jörg Widmann and Andrew Norman. A full list of Schott composers can be found on our website. 

The focus of our work revolves around live performance, radio/online broadcasting and recordings. We work very closely with performers (orchestras, conductors, soloists, etc.) and concert promoters to get our music heard on the concert platform. We also work closely with agents, choreographers, radio broadcasters, record labels, and the press to raise awareness of our composers. 

Interns have the chance to develop a wide range of skills and gain an understanding of music publishing through daily support of the department’s three members. Regular tasks include: 

– Writing texts for the Schott website including proofreading and editing ‘Work of the Week’
– Coordinating and writing content for our e-marketing newsletter “Schott Spotlight”
– Preparing promotional material and coordinating mailings
– Collecting, circulating and filing press reviews
– Responding to incoming requests for biographies, programme notes and photographs
– Maintaining social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)
– Maintaining and updating contacts, recordings and performance databases
– Managing stock in the department’s score library
– Cataloguing new recordings and maintaining the department’s online recording database
– Arranging concert tickets and travel as needed
– Circulating weekly broadcast listing
– Creating monthly performance reports for composers; circulating premiere information to publications such as Choir & Organ
– Acting as first port of call for the office: answering the department phone and doorbell, monitoring the department’s general email address, opening post and fielding to colleagues as appropriate
– Attending concerts 

We also aim to give interns a wider understanding of the roles within the department, the company and the music industry.

They may have the opportunity to:
– Follow the process of a new commission
– Learn about the preparation of copyright assignments and submission of PRS/MCPS registrations
– Attend promotion and production meetings
– Undertake repertoire research
– Spend time in other departments
– Shadow meetings with industry figures 

Practical Information 

Who? We are looking for someone with excellent written English, is self-motivated, highly organised and has with a strong interest in contemporary classical music.
How long? The position is full time and lasts 6 months.
Compensation: This is a paid internship at national minimum wage.
Working hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday with lunch break of 1 hour. Our interns are encouraged to attend concerts which are in the evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Location: We currently have a hybrid model of working, splitting our time between our office at 48 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7BB and remote working. 

Schott Music is an equal opportunities employer. We are striving to address equality, diversity and inclusion, and wish to minimise barriers to the widest possible range of applicants. We warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly under-represented demographics such as those who are Black, Asian or ethnically diverse, and those who are disabled. 

Applications: Please send your CV and a one-page covering letter (or audio/video equivalent) explaining why you are a good fit for the position by email to [email protected] 

Application Deadline: Monday 7 November 2022 at 12 noon. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after this date.
Interviews: Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held either face to face or over video call on Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 November 2022.
Starting Date: Monday 2 January 2023. 

Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this internship. 

If you have questions regarding the internship please contact [email protected] / 0207 534 0750.