YOLA National Festival 2026 Program Details
YOLA National Festival Dates: July 24 – August 3, 2027
Final Application Deadline: March 8, 2027 at 11:59PM PST
Program Eligibility
Musicians applying to YOLA National must meet the program’s eligibility requirements and must have good standing in an approved music program.
Your program
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. Check out our Eligibility PDF (English or Spanish) to learn if your program qualifies.
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, please review our Eligibility PDF (English or Spanish) first, then email YOLANationalTeam@Laphil.org with any information that highlights your program (a website, informational booklet, or program contact).
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.
Musicians who are 14 are welcome to apply to the ensemble they believe they are best suited. If you choose to apply to Symphony, you will still be considered for the overture program.
Application Requirements
The YOLA National application includes three key components. Review the Application Requirements PDF for full details and guidance on each component.
Musical Audition
Submit the required musical audition materials to demonstrate your current level of musicianship. Each ensemble and instrument require varying scales and excerpts (up to three scales and three excerpts per audition). Access your audition repertoire by completing the first page of the application.
Each audition element is to be recorded individually, in a single and unassisted take. At the beginning of each audition recording, musicians are required to say their name and the audition element they are performing.
Personal Statement
Share more about yourself, your musical experience, and what participating in YOLA National would mean to you. A written personal bio of 200 words and a 1–2-minute recorded statement is required. Question prompts will be offered for the recorded statement. Be creative!
Program Recommendation
Provide contact information for a recommendation from your program director or teaching artist who can speak to your musical development and participation in your program. This will be uploaded onto your application.
Ready to get started?
Open the application and complete the first page to access your musical audition requirements and begin your application.
FAQ
What are the updates for 2027?
In 2027, the Overture experience will 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 Overture Chamber Music Program?
The YOLA National Festival Chamber Music Program offers dedicated chamber music ensemble training for our highest-level and youngest 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 information sessions 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, 2027. 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.
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.
