The NYO Adventure

Being part of The National Youth Orchestra is the greatest adventure teenage musicians can have through orchestral music.

Find out more about our unique approach to accelerating teenager development through the elements of community spirit, taking on challenges, playing their part and sharing their voices.

Community spirit

The NYO adventure is about teenagers from across the UK, representing regions and different backgrounds, making music together.

It’s about community spirit, seeing the best in each other and wanting the best for each other. Everyone contributes to a safe, happy and optimistic community.

Our pastoral Support Team and world class tutors encourage musicians with their expertise and knowledge. When musicians engage in a workshop, rehearse together, create music or perform they have the generous support and trust of the whole NYO community.

Join NYO Inspire
Join the Orchestra

Taking on challenges

The adventure is about taking on exceptional musical challenges, sharing a common purpose and working for collective success.

It’s about getting behind the greatest orchestral music of all time, from masterworks to the most cutting-edge new voices, and seeking energy and excitement in musical performance. It’s about trying things out, making music in new ways, and pioneering new presentation of music. And it’s about finding new destinations – new locations, new audiences, and mediums.

Join NYO Inspire
Join the Orchestra

Playing their part

We all know that music education is not equally available to all young people across the UK. Our musicians take action to do something about this, taking music and experiences to other young people in concert halls, primary and secondary schools and youth centres.

On the adventure musicians discover they are powerful role models, who can encourage other young people’s musical curiosity and aspirations, and foster understanding, and wellbeing through music.

Sharing teenage voices

The adventure is fuelled by what matters to teenage musicians – the music they make, and the causes they back through the power of orchestral music.

They raise their voices to advocate for young people and their musical opportunities.

Audition Tips are back! 🤩

Get ready to fine-tune your audition game. From nailing your camera setup to conquering audition jitters, NYO musicians will be giving you their top tips, to gear you up for live and video auditions for the 2025 Orchestra.

This week, NYO Double Bass player Brooke shares her advice on choosing your audition pieces and preparing your excerpts.

Open up your world - apply to join The National Youth Orchestra: https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra

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Audition Tips are back! 🤩 Get ready to fine-tune your audition game. From nailing your camera setup to conquering audition jitters, NYO musicians will be giving you their top tips, to gear you up for live and video auditions for the 2025 Orchestra. This week, NYO Double Bass player Brooke shares her advice on choosing your audition pieces and preparing your excerpts. Open up your world - apply to join The National Youth Orchestra: https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra

Catalyst tour begins THIS WEEK!

Here is a clip from our first rehearsal with conductor @jessicacottis, exploring Prokofiev’s epic Symphony No.5, one of the greatest gestures of musical defiance and hope of all time.

Embrace the energy of Catalyst - join us in a concert hall.

Are you a teenager from Liverpool or London? You can experience Catalyst for free with our FREE FOR TEENS offer! Book now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances

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Catalyst tour begins THIS WEEK! Here is a clip from our first rehearsal with conductor @jessicacottis, exploring Prokofiev’s epic Symphony No.5, one of the greatest gestures of musical defiance and hope of all time. Embrace the energy of Catalyst - join us in a concert hall. Are you a teenager from Liverpool or London? You can experience Catalyst for free with our FREE FOR TEENS offer! Book now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances

‘If you don’t go, you’re just missing out’ 👀

Wondering what all the buzz is about? Here’s what our audience has to say about their NYO experience!

Hear The National Youth Orchestra LIVE in Liverpool and London next week.

Get your Free for Teens tickets now:
http://www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

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‘If you don’t go, you’re just missing out’ 👀 Wondering what all the buzz is about? Here’s what our audience has to say about their NYO experience! Hear The National Youth Orchestra LIVE in Liverpool and London next week. Get your Free for Teens tickets now: http://www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

Mark your calendars - Catalyst performances are happening NEXT WEEK! 💥

Get ready to play your part in something transformative. Join us for Catalyst, a celebration of music to ignite change.

11 April - @thetungauditorium, Liverpool
12 April - @liverpool_philharmonic
14 April - @southbankcentre, London

Tickets are Free for Teens, book now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

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Mark your calendars - Catalyst performances are happening NEXT WEEK! 💥 Get ready to play your part in something transformative. Join us for Catalyst, a celebration of music to ignite change. 11 April - @thetungauditorium, Liverpool 12 April - @liverpool_philharmonic 14 April - @southbankcentre, London Tickets are Free for Teens, book now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

So, what`s it reaaally like to be part of the NYO Community? 👀

NYO musicians give their insights into the NYO adventure, and tell us how their experience was different to what they expected!

Take part in the greatest musical adventure and apply to join The National Youth Orchestra.

Find out more at:
www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra (link in bio)

#JoinNYO

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So, what's it reaaally like to be part of the NYO Community? 👀 NYO musicians give their insights into the NYO adventure, and tell us how their experience was different to what they expected! Take part in the greatest musical adventure and apply to join The National Youth Orchestra. Find out more at: www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra (link in bio) #JoinNYO

‘It’s going to be one of the best musical experiences you’ll have.’🎤🫳

Collaboration. Community culture. It’s time for Catalyst. NYO & NYBB musicians give us their insights ahead of our upcoming concert tour in London & Liverpool.

‘We want to play to young people, that’s what we’re here for.’

So, what’re you waiting for? Grab your Free for Teens ticket now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

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‘It’s going to be one of the best musical experiences you’ll have.’🎤🫳 Collaboration. Community culture. It’s time for Catalyst. NYO & NYBB musicians give us their insights ahead of our upcoming concert tour in London & Liverpool. ‘We want to play to young people, that’s what we’re here for.’ So, what’re you waiting for? Grab your Free for Teens ticket now: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

So...what does the application process look like? 👀

Our current NYO musicians give their insights into the application journey. "It`s really easy...don`t overthink it!"

Are you ready to play your part in the greatest musical adventure? Sign up as soon as you can for top tips, and to give yourself time to get ready to do your best!

Apply Now:
https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra

#JoinNYO

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So...what does the application process look like? 👀 Our current NYO musicians give their insights into the application journey. "It's really easy...don't overthink it!" Are you ready to play your part in the greatest musical adventure? Sign up as soon as you can for top tips, and to give yourself time to get ready to do your best! Apply Now: https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved/the-nyo-orchestra #JoinNYO
Hear from members of the Orchestra
I was very touched when one Year 7 pupil stayed behind after the lesson with a million questions about cor anglais and oboes, and seeing his face when he was told they had a school oboe he could play on.
Esme
— Oboe
Being at NYO is my favourite time of year.
India
— Violin
If we were able to inspire anyone in the audience or at the schools’ workshops to take up a musical instrument, I think that is an incredible thing.
Alice
— Violin
NYO is about so much more than being in a top-level orchestra. It’s a way for us to spread music to as many people as possible, who otherwise might never experience the power and beauty of classical music.
Alice
— Violin
NYO has given me a confidence that I never thought I could have. I feel accepted and listened to and so enjoy being part of a big bass section.
Anonymous
It has helped me to take on a leadership role and have more confidence in myself.
Rebecca
— Viola
Some of my most memorable experiences in music come from playing with other musicians. Not only does NYO give you these opportunities, but it takes them all across the UK.
Andrew
We’re one big community. It’s important to share, teach and learn things from each other, whether that’s by talking or playing music.
Erika
— Flute

Stories from our musicians

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Smera, Bassoon

After lockdown I really valued music so much more because I realised what life was like without music.
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story-defne

Defne, Harp

I really enjoy making amazing music with my friends who are very passionate about music just like me.
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Tara REBRAND.00_00_11_08.Still001

Tara, Violin

I can be a different person in music because I feel a lot more comfortable.
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Double bass players at a rehearsal

William, Double Bass

I'm looking forward to meeting different people from all over the country!
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Tara REBRAND.00_00_11_08.Still001

Tara, Violin

I can be a different person in music because I feel a lot more comfortable.
  • Inspire Journeys
Alicia meeting another musician at a rehearsal

Alicia, Clarinet

Being part of the NYO community is my dream come true.
  • Orchestra Experiences
story-sana

Sana, Percussion

I want to open up orchestral music for my generation by taking part in projects in schools around the country, showing young people what NYO is and how orchestral music can be accessible to everyone.
  • Orchestra Experiences
story-toby

Toby, Horn

It is so great to share different knowledge and ideas with fellow musicians.
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story-prince

Prince, Double Bass

NYO Inspire was much more challenging than anything I’ve done.
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See more case studies