NYOS Engage

NYOS Engage brings young musicians from across the country together with their national youth orchestra to develop their musicianship, meet new friends, and expand the NYOS community. 

Each NYOS Engage project works with a different local authority to design a community-based learning programme that’s tailored to the needs of the young people of that area. The project offers bespoke workshops, ensemble music-making, and performance opportunities. 

By working in partnership with local music services we are able to deliver NYOS Engage completely for free, with no barriers to entry for any of the young people involved. This creates a national youth orchestra that’s truly for everyone: enriching, exciting, and inspiring, wherever you are! 

Participants don’t just come out of NYOS Engage as more talented musicians, but also happier, more confident, and excited to take their musicianship further, both with NYOS and their local community. 

Praise for NYOS Engage 

“As an instrumental music instructor I have seen my pupils' sound production, reading skills, social skills, and overall confidence improve massively thanks to NYOS Engage. I have noticed a marked difference between pupils that attended and those that did not - especially in regards to self-esteem and social skills.” – Instrumental Tutor, East Lothian 

“I really loved it today meeting new friends and knowing that when you struggle you and your instrument aren't alone.” – Young Musicians, East Lothian 

“My son loved playing in an 'orchestra' setting. He already is in a local choir and a ceillidh band but this was completely different - out of his comfort zone but also thrilling. As a parent, it was so lovely to see all these young people getting so much joy from playing together.” – Parent, Dumfries & Galloway 

Our Projects 

NYOS Engage kicked off in 2023 in partnership with East Lothian Council’s Instrumental Music Service. Since then over 200 young people have made music with NYOS Engage across Scotland, and there’s only more to come.