YOLA National Festival
Applications for the 2027 YOLA National Festival are now open!
This summer orchestral and chamber music program brings together young musicians from El Sistema-inspired and community music programs across the United States for over a week-long of immersive orchestral training, artistic collaboration, and collective music-making.
Who is it for? Young musicians ages 12–18 from El Sistema-inspired and community music programs across the United States.
What does it provide? Free intensive orchestral training, mentorship from leading teaching artists and conductors, chamber music opportunities, a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a community of young musicians from across the country.
Applications due: March 8, 2027 at 11:59PM PST
Questions? Contact yolanationalteam@laphil.org
Announcements
Repertoire to be announced
Conductors to be announced
Faculty to be announced
Special Opportunities to be announced
About the program
The 2027 YOLA National Festival will feature two programs consisting of the Symphony Orchestra Program for musicians ages 14–18 and the Overture Program for musicians ages 12–14. The Overture Program will have a focus on chamber music ensembles and large ensemble works.
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Learning and performance
Musicians convene in Los Angeles for over a week of learning with the festival’s faculty and guest artists, along with performance opportunities with world-renowned conductors.
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A fully supported experience
Participation is free. Travel, lodging, meals, and programming are provided to musicians at no cost.
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Life beyond the music stand
YOLA National is a holistic experience that supports musicians on and off the stand through community building, college preparation, and special opportunities designed to support their growth as musicians and young people.
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Artistic excellence and access
The festival provides the highest caliber of orchestral training, artistry, and musical excellence through community, serving youth with the fewest resources and highest need.
Who should apply
YOLA National is for skilled young musicians ages 12–18 who are ready to learn, perform, collaborate, and grow as musicians.
Applicants should be active participants in an El Sistema-inspired or community music program and be prepared to participate fully in this intensive festival experience.
YOLA National may be a strong fit if you want to:
- Challenge yourself through intensive training
- Learn from accomplished faculty, guest artists, and conductors
- Collaborate and create community with likeminded young musicians
- Build your musical confidence and develop your artistry in a fast-paced environment
- Push your personal independence in a supported sleep away experience
- Grow holistically as an active member of a national musical community of young musicians and alumni
Eligibility
El Sistema-inspired programs
Applicants must be enrolled in an El Sistema-inspired program or a program that is similarly invested in youth development practices. The YOLA National Team recognizes that programs operate differently and aims to admit programs that meet our basic tenets.
Is your program already approved?
Previously evaluated programs are listed in the drop-down menu on the first page of the application. If you do not see your program listed, please contact yolanationalteam@laphil.org to request a formal program evaluation.
Programs that are typically ineligible
In-school programs and those that do not offer tuition support are typically ineligible. However, you may submit a request for a formal evaluation as musicians in specialized circumstances can be offered an application.
Want to get your program approved?
For full review of your program eligibility based on our basic tenants, make sure you’ve reviewed our Eligibility Requirements (English / Spanish) first, then email yolanationalteam@laphil.org with any information that highlights your program (a website, informational booklet, or program contact).
...now it has grown into this annual convening of amazing young artists, talented young people who want to drive and push themselves to be the best versions of themselves, not only musically, not only artistically, but also as a community of peers.
People who don’t know each other or who didn’t know each other get to make music together. Creating beauty is the thing that unites them, and they become a family.
I hope that, with my artistry, I can make an impact in people's lives just as how YOLA has made an impact in my life.
We make sure that in every musical step that they're taking, that they're finding a piece of joy in every piece of it.
YNF through the years
Through collaborations with artists like Gustavo Dudamel, residency programs, festivals, and live performances, YOLA National Festival gives students the opportunity to travel to new places, encounter new people and cultures, and explore their own potential—all of which connects them to the world of music and shows how they might fit into it.
Cellists rehearsing at YOLA National Festival, 2026
Musicians dancing at YOLA National Festival, 2026
YOLA National musicians attend a movement workshop by Intempo at the LA Phil iconic venue, the Ford Theatre
At the post-concert reception held at Walt Disney Concert Hall, YOLA National musicians celebrate a successful concert with their artistic faculty member, Francisco Diaz
Cellist CJ and Violinist Kevin tune before hitting the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage
Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba leads the YOLA National Symphony Orchestra in Korngold's "Kings Row" Fanfare
Artistic Faculty members perform for their musicians in the annual Faculty Chamber Music Concert
A string quartet from the Overture Chamber Music Program perform on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage
YOLA National Symphony Orchestra perform movements from Mahler's Symphony no. 1 in D Major under the direction of Maestro Gustavo Dudamel
Additional information
How will travel be arranged?
Travel, lodging, and meals will be provided for all students, at no cost. A representative of the LA Phil will work with families to book all travel for musicians. If a musician lives outside of Los Angeles, air travel will be required.
Where will students be staying?
Students will stay in dorms. Great care will be taken to ensure safety and accountability in these locations.
Who will the teaching artists be?
A specially selected group of artists involved with El Sistema‐inspired and aligned programs will serve as the teaching faculty and will share their talents as artists and mentors throughout the festival.
Can a parent, teaching artist, or program director chaperone a student during the festival?
No. The festival will be fully staffed (24 hours) with adults responsible for students’ musical growth, social well‐being, and safety. While parents and adults are welcome to travel with students and attend the final concert, only those staff hired as music faculty and residential life staff are permitted to be present during the days of the festival to ensure the safety of all students.