We’re calling on teenage musicians across the UK to play their part and start their free musical adventure this autumn.
Every year, NYO Inspire brings together hundreds of teenage musicians from across the nation to explore orchestral music further than they ever have before. They accelerate their skills andplay incredible music in a massive community of teenagers who love music just as much as they do.
We welcome applications from 13-18 year-old musicians who play orchestral instruments at a level equivalent to Grade 6 and above. There is no need for any official grades, but applicants should be passionate about music and determined to take their playing to the next level.
Everyone’s NYO Inspire experience is different. Musicians grow through opportunities that match where they’re at on their musical journey.
We prioritise musicians with the greatest need for a place. NYO Inspire is primarily for teenage musicians who go to state school, where there is a widespread lack of opportunity to progress in music. Full information on eligibility is available here.
Applications for NYO Inspire 2026 are now open. NYO Inspire events fill up fast, so musicians should complete applications by 31 July 2025 to have the best chance of being invited to a local activity, for the first event of the year. Applications officially close 30 September 2025.
NYO Inspire is completely free.