World Class Training for String Players up to age 21.
National Youth String Orchestra (NYSO) is one of the UK’s most prestigious and important training organisations for string players up to the age of 21. In our orchestras you will benefit from intensive outstanding personalised coaching from our music directors Damian Iorio, Rachel Erdos and Monica Wilkinson, and their dedicated team of leading professional chamber orchestra musicians.
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NYSO’s Senior Orchestra is open to string players aged up to 21 with a standard of Grade 8 and above. The residencies consist of sectional and full orchestra training, with the summer residency also including concerts in major venues and festivals such as Three Choirs.
NYSO Camerata is for string players aged 13 – 17 with a standard of grade 6 – 8, and NYSO Sinfonia for ages 9 – 12 and grades 5 – 7. Both orchestras develop ensemble skills and incorporate Kodaly musicianship and Dalcroze Eurhythmics sessions linked to the repertoire to develop the specific skills needed for ensemble playing.
NYSO Sinfonietta welcomes talented 7 – 9 year-old string players to its 3-day residencies at Easter and summer, providing a foundation for string ensemble playing with a focus on chamber music, general musicianship and the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.
*Our Auditions & Applications pages for 2025 Orchestras will go live on 1st August 2024*
Be your Best.
"Damian Iorio is truly inspiring. His knowledge of the music and the context in which it was written enables us to play at an incredibly high level. The team spirit we all share at NYSO and our combined love of music making makes NYSO extra special. I have certainly made friends for life who have inspired me and pushed me to be the best I can." Charlotte.
Come & Join Us.
NYSO has 4 orchestras of different ages and levels. The Senior Orchestra is for Grade 8 and above. Camerata for ages 13-17 and playing standard grade 6-8. Sinfonia for 9-12 years and Grade 5-7, and Sinfonietta for talented 7–9 year-old string players at grade 2-5 or equivalent.
Senior OrchestraCamerata OrchestraSinfonia OrchestraSinfonietta"The Kodaly and Dalcroze lessons were a key part of my experience. My understanding of Solfa and of the music we were playing has deepened. By using movement I really felt the rhythm of each piece. I could visualise each action and input it into my playing. I also really enjoyed playing the pieces in small chamber groups with input from tutors on how to play together better. This has developed my listening skills and affected how I play with other people, even if it’s just with a piano accompaniment. It’s such a great example of how I can take the skills that I’ve learnt at NYSO and apply them in my musical life."
We pride ourselves on our Pastoral Care. During an intensive week of rehearsals, sectionals and concerts, it is important that the players have sufficient time to relax away from their instruments, so the residencies are suitably timetabled with regular breaks and free time periods for other activities for relaxing or sport. The directors, music coaches, as well as the pastoral team, look out for the well-being of each individual. NYSO provides a very inclusive and welcoming environment that the students like to promote themselves. There is a good social dynamic, which makes everyone feel comfortable on the residencies.
Support Us.
The continued generosity of our supporters enables NYSO to make our residencies accessible to a broad spectrum of talented young string players. This is fundamental to our ethos and key to our continued success.
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