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Application process  

 
Who can apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble?

 
The National Youth Folk Ensemble is open to players of any instrument, but we are not looking for singers. 

It is free of charge to apply and audition for the National Youth Folk Ensemble, and travel bursaries are available.

To apply for a place in the Ensemble you will need to:

• be aged 14–18 on 1 September of the year you apply
• live in England
• be able to play confidently on your chosen instrument
• be available to attend a final audition in London 
• be available to commit to all four weeks of residential courses in the school holidays (October, February, April, and summer)

Who are we looking for?

 
If the following describes you, we’d love to meet you!

• Confidence, accuracy and skill on your chosen instrument
• An interest in folk music, and desire to learn more
• Ability to learn and play music by ear
• Experience of folk character and style from any tradition
• Passion for playing and collaborating with others
• Interest in developing arrangements and creating music with others
• Commitment to learning and developing as a musician
• Open-mindedness and willingness to share ideas  

We also take into account a balance of instruments, gender and geographic spread.

How to Apply  

 
There are three steps to the audition process:

Step 1: Attend a free Open Day

(optional, but highly recommended)

Step 2: Submit your application by midnight on 3 June 2024

• If you don’t already have one, create an English Folk Dance and Song Society account at efdss.org/account
  
  
• Fill in the online application form, telling us about your musical background and why you want to join the Ensemble
  
  Unless you have a Google account and are logged in, the form needs to be answered in one go as it does not allow you to save or return where you left off. To support you in your application you can find a PDF version of the form here so you can know what to expect from the form.
  If you would prefer or would find it more accessible to complete the application form in a Word document please get in touch on [email protected]
   

• Submit a film of you playing your main instrument. Please send your film to [email protected] with the subject line 'Application for National Youth Folk Ensemble 2024–25'.
  
  Your film should include the following: 
  • Introduce yourself – say your name and what you plan to play. 
  • Play one set of tunes, or two separate pieces, adding up to 6 minutes in total. Your chosen repertoire should be played by ear and be traditional/ contemporary folk tunes of any style.
  
  Important things to think about:
  • Play music that you know well and enjoy playing.
  • Through your tune choices and playing, you should demonstrate your interest in traditional music and your musicality.   
  • We're looking for quality of playing over quantity and speed – we’d prefer to hear a simpler tune played confidently and well, rather than an overly complex tune, or one played too fast. 
  • Please show some contrast in your programme. 
  
  You can send your film in one of the following ways: 
  • Unlisted YouTube link 
  • DropBox link 
  • Send large files with WeTransfer.  

Step 3: Attend a Creative Audition Day, if invited

Selected musicians will be invited to a Creative Audition Day at Cecil Sharp House in London on 13 or 14 July 2024. 

At the Creative Audition Day, we look at instrumental technique, musicality, ensemble skills, and enthusiasm.

Following the Creative Audition Days, places will be offered to young musicians for the 2024–25 National Youth Folk Ensemble. 

Experience the Ensemble

 
We strongly recommend you attend a National Youth Folk Ensemble Open Day to learn new skills, experience what it’s like to be a member of the Ensemble, and understand what we’re looking for in new members. Open Days are free to attend and you will have a fun, creative and inspiring day! 

If you are new to folk music, we recommend you watch our film resource Folk Music Starting Points created by the National Youth Folk Ensemble team

Fees and financial support 

 
There are no audition fees and we can help with travel costs to and from the audition venue. 

Membership fees will be £600 for the academic year 2024/25. This covers some of our costs in running the four week-long residential sessions..

We want everyone who is offered a place in the Ensemble to be able to take it up and we are able to offer financial support if the fee or travel costs are unaffordable. Contact [email protected] for more information about financial aid.

Bursaries for are supported by The Postlethwaite Music Foundation.

If you have any questions please contact the Programme Manager for the National Youth Folk Ensemble: [email protected]