General Conditions

1.1 The World Percussion Group Academy (WPG 2026 Academy) will take place between Saturday 9th May 2026 to Wednesday 15th July 2026. Please see the tour schedule for more details. Attendance is not compulsory for these sessions, but is highly recommended. Garrett Mendelow sessions are compulsory.

1.2 The official language of the WPG is English. All participants must be able to speak a relatively high level of English to enable successful involvement in clinic presentations/masterclasses and to effectively conduct themselves during rehearsals. Translators are allowed with prior consent. 

1.3 The WPG application process is open to percussionists of all nationalities who are between the ages of 18–35 at the time of the WPG Academy. Due to the nature of the 2026 Academy there are no travel requirements.

Applications

2.1 There will be no application fee for the 2026 Virtual Academy.

2.2 All applicants must provide the following:

(a) A brief resume describing education, performing experience and achievements.

(b) High resolution photo (copyright free).

(c) Upload video audition — free choice or official WPG excerpts at the applicant’s choice.

2.3 32 finalists will be selected for online interview.

2.4 The WPG 2026 Academy requires a course fee of £995 GBP which covers the May–July period. A scholarship package may be available.

2.5 WPG reserves the right to withdraw its invitation to join the WPG and alter any elements of the terms and conditions.

2.6 WPG reserves the right to replace artists for any reason (for example, illness, unprofessional behaviour).

WPG Conditions

2.7 Audition repertoire is free choice but if you prefer, all audition materials will be available for download February 2026.

2.8 All selected artists give permission for WPG to use their promotional material and recorded footage of clinics, coaching sessions and concerts for the promotion and benefit of WPG, including (but not limited to) online broadcast and livestream across our social platforms.

2.9 WPG 2026 Academy will take place online via Restream. Coaching sessions, classes, clinics and all other events will be on this platform and some may be broadcast and/or streamed live.

3.0 WPG requires applicants to have a stable, high quality internet connection and good quality sound and video facilities for coaching sessions and all related WPG activities.

3.1 A rehearsal space may be required to take part in the Academy and you may need access to equipment (e.g. marimba, vibraphone, and any other specialist equipment). If you wish to use your educational establishment’s facilities, please check before applying. WPG will not be liable for any hire costs. It is possible to take part without instruments close at hand, provided you have a healthy bank of videos to present to coaches.

3.2 WPG reserves the right to assign WPG members at its discretion.

3.3 WPG allows artists to continue their daily schedule including education. Please see the schedule for a rough guide. You will be expected to attend the majority of sessions; please check with your institution that you will have availability to participate in WPG 2026.

3.4 WPG members will be selected by Artistic Director Tim Palmer. This decision is final.

3.5 Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism. A ‘World Percussion Group’ code of conduct is published on our website. Non-adherence to these standards can result in termination of a member’s activity. Any fees paid by this member will not be refunded.

3.6 Precise dates, coaching lists and schedules are subject to change.

3.7 The WPG schedule is set for Summer 2026; however, activities will require preparation before the Academy such as rehearsals and recordings. These will take place during the Spring months.

3.8 WPG members will be working with heavy instruments and equipment. Participation may expose members to risk of physical and/or emotional injury. WPG may not be held responsible for claims arising from personal injury, property damage, distress/emotional, or physical injury.

3.9 If members apply for both solo and ensemble positions and are successful in both, the artist may choose which position to accept. It is not possible to accept multiple roles within the WPG Academy.

4.0 Should selected artists be endorsed by any companies, it is the artist’s responsibility to acquire those instruments.

4.1 WPG will not be held liable for any damages to equipment or facilities during the Academy. Any damage to instruments/facilities is the sole responsibility of the artists.

4.2 WPG will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items for the duration of the Academy. It is the sole responsibility of the artists.

4.3 The majority of coaching sessions will be recorded and streamed at the discretion of the WPG.