YOLA National Festival
YOLA National Festival is an intensive summer orchestra program for young musicians ages 12-18 from El Sistema-inspired and community music programs across the United States. The program brings together students for immersive orchestral training, artistic collaboration, and collective music-making at the highest level.
The 2026 YOLA National Festival kicks off in August! Learn more about this year's program.
About the program
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.
A fully supported experience
Participation is free. Travel, lodging, meals, and programming are provided to musicians at no cost.
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.
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.
Being a part of this community means the equity and inclusion of having something so good that you're not denied access because of money or anything.
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.
FAQ
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.
Equitable access to music education
- 27 Scholarships granted in 2024
- 30% of alumni are engaged as staff, mentors, or scholarship recipients
- 300+ YOLA alumni to date
- 100% high school graduation rate