New ideas, new friends and new music to explore for teenage musicians

The National Youth Orchestra is passionate about unlocking the potential of the UK’s teenagers through the power of orchestral music.

To that end, applications are now open from locally-based talented musicians for entry into the NYO 2024 and its NYO Inspire programme.

NYO 2024 is for teenage musicians playing orchestral instruments at Grade 8 and above.

The fun and friendly audition process is free and there’s no need for students to have taken graded exams, this is just a benchmark level.

The NYO community is jam-packed with like-minded musicians who want to share their music with other young people, take on audacious musical challenges and take part in awe-inspiring performances in UK concert halls, schools and surprising spaces and places.

Applications close on May 29, with first round video auditions to be submitted by June 11.

Final round assessments in person take place in September.

These take place across the UK and are led by NYO tutors (all of whom are professional musicians) alongside NYO alumni who help to run creative workshops as part of the audition process.

Toby Johnson-Jones, who is 18 and from Oldham, plays horn

He said: “I have been part of the NYO community for the last five years and I have to say I have had the best time ever. 

"I initially joined the NYO Inspire programme and that led to being invited to be part of the Inspire Orchestra. 

"For the last two years I have been an orchestral member of the National Youth Orchestra in the French horn section. 

"I have made some brilliant friends and the tutors and organisation are so supportive. 

"Each NYO experience is so different and exciting, it just wants you to become a better musician and spread the word about the amazing time you have. 

"Next year I will be studying French horn at the Royal Northern College of Music.”

Full details on how to apply can be found at: www.nyo.org.uk

For students playing at Grade 6 and above, the NYO Inspire Programme offers the chance for young musicians to take their skills and talents to the next level.  

NYO Inspire is a series of FREE high-quality ensemble music opportunities that include one-day events and residencies structured around weekends and school holidays.

The programme accelerates learning for musicians who are traditionally under-represented or who may experience barriers in taking their playing to the next level.

There are no auditions for the NYO Inspire Programme and applications are open year round.

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