YOLA National Festival 2026 Program Details
The YOLA National Festival is an intensive summer orchestra program dedicated to artistic development for young musicians from El Sistema-inspired and community-driven music programs across the United States.
- 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.
YOLA National Festival Dates: August 3–11, 2026
Final Application Deadline: March 9, 2026 at 11:59PM PST
Eligibility
Musicians applying for the YOLA National Festival must meet program and age requirements.
- All 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 each program operates differently and aims to admit programs that meet our basic tenants.
- All previously evaluated programs are listed in the drop-down menu in the application. If you do not see your program listed, please reach out to YOLANationalTeam@laphil.org to request a formal program evaluation.
- For full details about program eligibility, please download our Eligibility PDF.
- In-school programs are typically ineligible. However, please submit a request for a formal evaluation.
2026 YOLA National Festival Programs
The 2026 YOLA National Festival will feature two programs consisting of the Symphony Orchestra Program for musicians ages 14–18 and the Overture Chamber Music Program for musicians ages 12–14.
2026 Faculty
Sourcing from the best talent of the LA Phil, the 2026 Faculty Roster is sure to impress parents and students alike!
Beckmen YOLA Center
The 25,000-square-foot Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center in Inglewood is a a cultural resource for the people of Inglewood, and acts as the focal point of the LA Phil’s commitment to community engagement in the area.
FAQ
What are the updates for 2026?
In 2026, the Overture experience will solely focus on chamber music, featuring programming for each instrument family as well as large ensemble repertoire. This program will provide young musicians with opportunities to develop their ensemble skills and deepen their musical collaboration outside of our Orchestra offerings.
What is the Chamber Music Program?
The YOLA National Festival Chamber Music Program is a supplemental weeklong intensive that offers dedicated chamber music ensemble training for our highest-level orchestral musicians. Participants will be organized into quartets or quintets, where they will study and perform at least one complete chamber work. Musicians will have coaching from an assigned chamber music faculty member as well as structured rehearsals and technique workshops. Musicians will also engage in activities focused on performance skills, group dynamics, and specialized workshops. Each Chamber Music ensemble will have the opportunity to culminate their experience with a performance at one of the LA Phil venues.
How can I prepare for my audition?
We encourage students to review the audition materials carefully, practice their excerpts, consult with primary teacher(s), and record and send their strongest video take. Musicians can attend Seminario's hosted by the YOLA National team and our esteemed faculty that will help musicians prepare for the audition.
What are the criteria for choosing students?
A professional panel will review all audition materials and consider factors including but not limited to proficiency and musicality on the instrument, diversity in age, program, and geographic location, and alignment of students’ personal statement with the Festival’s goals.
When will I know if I'm accepted?
Notifications will be distributed by March 30, 2026. Accepted students will receive detailed information about travel, packing, and preparation in the spring.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes! Those who are on the waitlist will receive a notification date in which they are to be notified if a spot becomes available.
Will the same students who participated in past years of the festival participate in the upcoming festival?
While past participants who are still eligible to apply may be accepted, they must re‐apply to be considered for the next year's Festival. All applicants will be evaluated using the same criteria.
