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.

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.

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.

When Imperial March starts playing… and they actually show up. #StarWars

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When Imperial March starts playing… and they actually show up. #StarWars

The trumpets strike back 🎺

Feel the power of Brass & Percussion in the finale of Star Wars: A New Hope 🚀

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The trumpets strike back 🎺

Feel the power of Brass & Percussion in the finale of Star Wars: A New Hope 🚀

Sound on 🔊 lightsabers at the ready...

We’re bringing epic music from Star Wars to life in Birmingham, Suffolk and London this August. Don’t miss this cosmic journey. 🪐🎶

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Sound on 🔊 lightsabers at the ready...

We’re bringing epic music from Star Wars to life in Birmingham, Suffolk and London this August. Don’t miss this cosmic journey. 🪐🎶

NYO Inspire schools tour 2025! 🤩🎶🎺

Last week, thousands of school students across Devon experienced the massive power of orchestral music: “It gets your heart going. Just seeing how happy they were on stage. That alone makes it inspiring to me.” 🙌

NYO Inspire musicians went beyond to share music with other young people. Growing in confidence, pushing their musical boundaries and using new role-modelling skills to take a leading role in workshops across the tour. 🚀

Are you ready to open up your world? Applications for NYO Inspire are now open. It’s free.

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NYO Inspire schools tour 2025! 🤩🎶🎺

Last week, thousands of school students across Devon experienced the massive power of orchestral music: “It gets your heart going. Just seeing how happy they were on stage. That alone makes it inspiring to me.” 🙌

NYO Inspire musicians went beyond to share music with other young people. Growing in confidence, pushing their musical boundaries and using new role-modelling skills to take a leading role in workshops across the tour. 🚀

Are you ready to open up your world? Applications for NYO Inspire are now open. It’s free.

Epic music. Epic crowd. Let’s go…. Beyond! 🚀🌌🎶

📍6 Aug, Birmingham Symphony Hall, @bmusic_ltd | Free for Teens
📍8 Aug Snape Maltings, @brittenpearsarts | Free for Teens
📍9&10 Aug BBC Proms
🎧 @bbciplayer & @bbctwo

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Epic music. Epic crowd. Let’s go…. Beyond! 🚀🌌🎶

📍6 Aug, Birmingham Symphony Hall, @bmusic_ltd | Free for Teens
📍8 Aug Snape Maltings, @brittenpearsarts | Free for Teens
📍9&10 Aug BBC Proms
🎧 @bbciplayer & @bbctwo

*the Force left the chat*

#starwars #orchestra #flute #viola

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*the Force left the chat*

#starwars #orchestra #flute #viola

🪐 Play your instrument in space! 🎶✨

Go on a cosmic journey Beyond with our new backgrounds, stickers and filters for Instagram and TikTok.

🎥 Share your performance videos from space, tag us and use #NYOBeyond. You’ll be in with a chance of winning your own personalised Beyond poster! 🤩

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🪐 Play your instrument in space! 🎶✨

Go on a cosmic journey Beyond with our new backgrounds, stickers and filters for Instagram and TikTok.

🎥 Share your performance videos from space, tag us and use #NYOBeyond. You’ll be in with a chance of winning your own personalised Beyond poster! 🤩

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Being at NYO is my favourite time of year.

India

— Violin

I’ve never been part of NYO before and I had a really great time [on the Spring residency], especially meeting young musicians from around the country.

Jacqueline

— Cello

When you play, it takes you away from difficulties in life

Prince, cello

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

Being able to learn from other people your age is so important

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

the experience of NYO over the past three years has been life changing for me. I always come back energised from any NYO course, with a renewed sense of purpose and self confidence.

Robert

— Horn

It has helped me to take on a leadership role and have more confidence in myself.

Rebecca

— Viola

Stories from our musicians

Tara, Violin

I can be a different person in music because I feel a lot more comfortable.

Inspire Journeys

3 September 2023

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.