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
- Musicians will convene in Los Angeles for over a week of learning with the festival’s amazing faculty and guest artists and performances with world-renowned conductors.
- Participation is free—travel, lodging, meals, and programming are provided to musicians at no cost.
- The festival’s purpose is to provide the highest caliber of orchestral training, artistry, and musical excellence through community, serving youth with 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 a travel agent to book all travel for students. In doing so, they will ensure that students are appropriately chaperoned during travel transitions.
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