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.

Play Saxophone in NYO! 🎷

Are you a teenage Saxophonist playing at advanced level? Imagine taking your seat in a cutting-edge orchestra, surrounded by 160 musicians your age and playing amazing music together. 🤩🎶

Never heard Saxophone in an orchestra before? Here’s the solo from Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, performed by Rosemary and the Orchestra of 2022, live at the Warwick Arts Centre.

Play your part. Saxophone applications are now open.

Apply by 3 November. Link in bio.

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Play Saxophone in NYO! 🎷

Are you a teenage Saxophonist playing at advanced level? Imagine taking your seat in a cutting-edge orchestra, surrounded by 160 musicians your age and playing amazing music together. 🤩🎶

Never heard Saxophone in an orchestra before? Here’s the solo from Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, performed by Rosemary and the Orchestra of 2022, live at the Warwick Arts Centre.

Play your part. Saxophone applications are now open.

Apply by 3 November. Link in bio.

NYO Inspire empowers teenagers to take their playing to the next level. 🚀🎶

With residencies, meet-ups and incredible tutors, young musicians like Logan are developing skills, learning new techniques, and sharing their passion for music with others.

Start your free musical adventure this month - apply to join NYO Inspire today!

Apply via link in bio.

#NYOInspire

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NYO Inspire empowers teenagers to take their playing to the next level. 🚀🎶

With residencies, meet-ups and incredible tutors, young musicians like Logan are developing skills, learning new techniques, and sharing their passion for music with others.

Start your free musical adventure this month - apply to join NYO Inspire today!

Apply via link in bio.

#NYOInspire

NYO percussionist, Charlie from Northern Ireland performing at his old primary school on BBC Young Musician! 🥁

Every NYO musician plays their part, sharing orchestral music in their local community. In this clip, Charlie goes back to his primary school to inspire pupils with the power of percussion!

You can watch the full episode at the link in our bio.

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NYO percussionist, Charlie from Northern Ireland performing at his old primary school on BBC Young Musician! 🥁

Every NYO musician plays their part, sharing orchestral music in their local community. In this clip, Charlie goes back to his primary school to inspire pupils with the power of percussion!

You can watch the full episode at the link in our bio.

Open up your future with NYO Inspire! 🚀

Through NYO Inspire, Martha had the opportunity to play music with other Bassoonists, and develop her confidence!

Apply now and begin your free musical adventure this month.

Link in bio to apply!

#NYOInspire

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NYO Inspire schools tour! 🎺🙌

From Exeter to Newport, York to Norwich, the Inspire Orchestra re-imagined Dani Howard’s As One melody in workshops and performances in schools across the UK this summer, sharing their passion for music with more teenagers. 🎶

Emma, Sophie, Dan and Jiya take you on a whistle-stop tour, as they share why making music together is so important to them.

Apply now to start your free musical adventure with NYO Inspire. Link in bio. 🔗

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NYO Inspire schools tour! 🎺🙌

From Exeter to Newport, York to Norwich, the Inspire Orchestra re-imagined Dani Howard’s As One melody in workshops and performances in schools across the UK this summer, sharing their passion for music with more teenagers. 🎶

Emma, Sophie, Dan and Jiya take you on a whistle-stop tour, as they share why making music together is so important to them.

Apply now to start your free musical adventure with NYO Inspire. Link in bio. 🔗

Pause for a musical reflection. 😌

Dive deep into ‘Ruminations’, composed by @danihoward6. 🎶

Recorded live at @thetungauditorium, Liverpool, with trombone soloists Anna, Ben and Ned, and conductor @zajaconductor.

Head to our website to experience the piece in full and explore more extraordinary performances. Link in bio.

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Pause for a musical reflection. 😌

Dive deep into ‘Ruminations’, composed by @danihoward6. 🎶

Recorded live at @thetungauditorium, Liverpool, with trombone soloists Anna, Ben and Ned, and conductor @zajaconductor.

Head to our website to experience the piece in full and explore more extraordinary performances. Link in bio.

NYO Inspire helped Rebekah grow as a musician and as a person.

It’s a musical adventure for teenagers who want to take their playing to the next level. NYO Inspire is FREE and there are no auditions.

🎼 Work with amazing conductors
🎶 Perform as part of a full orchestra
🎺 Attend music-making residencies
🙌 Meet other musicians who are passionate about music

The first music-making activity of the year is just around the corner, so don’t miss out, apply now.

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NYO Inspire helped Rebekah grow as a musician and as a person.

It’s a musical adventure for teenagers who want to take their playing to the next level. NYO Inspire is FREE and there are no auditions.

🎼 Work with amazing conductors
🎶 Perform as part of a full orchestra
🎺 Attend music-making residencies
🙌 Meet other musicians who are passionate about music

The first music-making activity of the year is just around the corner, so don’t miss out, apply now.

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

Andrew

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

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

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

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 at NYO is my favourite time of year.

India

— Violin

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

Finn, Violin

Being part of NYO helps channel the part of me that loves performing and presenting and inspiring. I think there’s no better feeling than performing the music that you love to other people, and knowing that they are being inspired by it.