Discussions & Masterclasses
For music students, parents/guardians, or teachers looking for asynchronous activities.
LA Phil masterclasses & keynotes (Video Sessions • Age: Middle School+)
When YOLA’s national conference was canceled by the pandemic, organizers rethought it as an online experience, allowing even more people from all over the world to take part. You still can hear these events:
Thomas Wilkins Keynote: Conductor Thomas Wilkins speaks on the meaning of home, his path to orchestras, and what music reveals about each of us.
Violin Master Class with the LA Phil's Bing Wang: The orchestra’s Associate Concertmaster works with string players.
In Conversation with La Marisoul, lead singer of the band La Santa Cecilia: She speaks about her journey as a singer, a mother, and a Mexican American based in Los Angeles.
Curated panels & conversations (Video Sessions • Age: High School–College+)
Facilitated conversations with artists and professionals about their origin stories, education, and career development, and how they approach their work.
Classically Black Podcast hosts a conversation with Kenneth Brown II and Jackelinne Rodriguez: Young musicians discuss their musical origin stories and how they incorporate aspects of their culture into their artistic pursuits as college students.
Alex Laing (faculty, YOLA National Institute; principal clarinet, Phoenix Symphony) and musician Monica Ellis: The two explore critical questions around race and equity, and how institutional structures within the classical music field are adapting (or not) to a changing world.
Classically Black Podcast hosts a conversation with guests Clifton Joey Guidry III and Am're Ford: Hear discussion about the questions, issues, and ups and downs of navigating the world of classical music as a Black musician.
Alex Laing with guest Garrett McQueen: Alex and Garrett discuss origin stories, education, and career development, and how they approach their work.
Pathway Explorations with Classically Black Podcast and Alex Laing: After you’ve watched Classically Black and Alex’s sessions above, join the three of them here for key takeaways and calls to action for young musicians, their support systems, and the institutions that hold power in classical music.
Young Artist Series: Bass Forward: Listen in on a conversation among three incredible bass players at different points in their careers, each of whom has created organizations that represent their unique artistic voices, interests, and values.
Self-Promotion, Branding, and Social Media for Musicians: This seminar explores the questions: How do you develop a social media following as a musician? How do you tell your story as an artist online? Do you need a website?
Learn from the community in this eBook, "Music: See Me, Hear Me" (Downloadable eBook • Age: High School–College)
Music: See Me, Hear Me
A collaboration between YOLA National Symposium attendees and YOLA musicians that includes letters to their younger selves, interviews, a look at power and who holds it, and more. We invite you to not only learn from this booklet, but also make your own version!
Get inspired: "A Youth Manifesto for the Arts" (Downloadable eBook • Age: High School–College)
In 2018, 10 YOLA musicians joined their UK and Scottish peers for “Tuning into Change,” a youth symposium focused on the role of artists in creating lasting change in the world. Why not make your own version of their manifesto?
Looking for some hands-on learning?
Check out learning programs offered by the LA Phil and reach out to learning@laphil.org with any questions.
*application required
YOLA (6-18 y/o)*
YOLA National Festival (12-18 y/o)*
YOLA National Institute (12-18 y/o)*
Composer Fellowship Program (SoCal students grades 10-12)*
Symphonies for Youth (5-11 y/o)
Junior Patrons (13 and under)