Open to select musicians from the 2022 YOLA National Symphony Orchestra, the YOLA National Institute (YNI) is an in-depth training program for young musicians interested in pursuing a career in the field of music.

Applications for the 2022 YOLA National Institute open in April 2022. Please note: all students must first apply for the 2022 YOLA National Symphony Orchestra.

Program Overview:

• The Institute aims to supplement students’ musical experience at home and at the YOLA National Festival. All program expenses, including travel, room, and board, are free.

• Selected fellows work together as a cohort over the course of the academic year, exploring various career pathways and supporting each other as they navigate the college application process, or their first year of college.

• Musicians are introduced to a wide variety of artists over the course of the year, engage in their own creative projects, and work to better understand themselves and the practice they want to have in their creative futures.

• The program offers mentorship, travel opportunities, and financial support for college applications.

• YNI Fellows are leaders who think critically about the arts, and actively seek opportunities to question the role of music in society, and in their lives. 

Program Activities

• Convenings: Monthly webinars and 2-4 in person convenings during the summer at the YOLA National Festival, and continuing during the 2022-2023 academic year 

• Mentorship: Fellows will work with artist-mentors who are leaders in their fields 

• Private instruction opportunities 

• Chamber music coaching 

• Financial support for college auditions, including travel, application support, and guidance

• Tour and travel opportunities 

Eligibility

YNI aims to support young musicians from communities traditionally underrepresented in classical music. YNI fellows are leaders who think critically about the arts, and actively seek opportunities to question the role of music in society, and in their lives. 

To be eligible to apply,  students must:     

• Meet all eligibility requirements for the YOLA National Festival 

• Apply and be admitted to the 2022 YOLA National Symphony Orchestra  

• Be rising juniors, seniors, or college freshman for the 2022/2023 academic year  

• Be able to travel within the United States 

How to Apply

All students must first apply for the 2022 YOLA National Symphony Orchestra. Students who are admitted to the 2022 Symphony Orchestra and meet eligibility requirements listed above will be asked to submit supplemental audition materials.  

• Step 1: Apply to the YOLA National Symphony Orchestra. Please note you must meet all eligibility requirements for the YOLA National Festival to be eligible for the YOLA National Institute.

• Step 2: Musicians admitted to the YOLA National Symphony Orchestra, and who are rising juniors, seniors, or college level freshmen will be sent the supplemental YNI Application. The application will include:

  • A reflection & personal statement

  • A FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom interview with each musician

• Step 3: Review the following Application Questions and prepare them. Once ready, log into your Acceptd profile and complete your application.

Faculty:

Alex Laing

Evan Tobias

Chloë Kline

Ashley Frith

2021-2022 YNI Fellows:

Violin

Cristal Martinez Perez, Austin Soundwavesz
Francesco Capitano, Siman Orchestral Foundation
Juan Florez, Miami Music Project
Enoc Garza, YOLA at EXPO
Maria Gonzalez Marcano, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras
Noemi Guzman, YOLA at EXPO

Viola

David Vallejo-Lozano, Miami Music Project
Gerdlie Jean-Louis, Kids 4 Harmony
Arianelle Arroyo, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Jay Maldonado, Greater Miami Youth Symphony

Cello

Gerdrose Jean Louis, Kids 4 Harmony 
Jonathan Colon,The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
Marcus  Gee, KidzNotes
Khalil Payne, 16, Tri M Music Honor 
Heather Cruz, Kids 4 Harmony

Double Bass

Geetika Komati, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Noanddi Manigat, BYSO Intensive Community Program

Flute

Jose Arana, YOLA at HOLA

Clarinet

Rebekah Campbell, Riverside Arts Academy

Oboe

Elizabeth Perez-Hickman, Miami Music Project 
Estelle Balsirow, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Sophia Lehrmann, Miami Music Project

Bassoon

Daniela Santana, Harmony Project

Trumpet

Jay-Era Johnson, Empire State Youth Orchestra
Judith Garcia, YOLA at EXPO
Sid Chalasani, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)

Trombone

Elise Montenora, Juilliard Music Advancement Program 
Rebekah Marquez, YOLA at HOLA
Wilfrido Cruz, YOLA at HOLA

French Horn

Audrey Chung, YOLA at HOLA 

Percussion

John Sunderman, YOLA at HOLA
Somesh Yatham, Austin Soundwaves