Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Norfolk's premier youth orchestra provides rehearsal and performance opportunities for musicians aged 4–18 of all levels from Grades 1 to 8+. Managed by Guildhall Young Artists Norwich.
About Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO) brings together talented young musicians age 4–18, from across the county, for inspiring day and residential courses during the October, Easter and Summer school holidays.
As Norfolk's premier youth orchestra, we provide an exceptional environment for musical growth. Our courses offer students the unique opportunity to learn from and rehearse with professional musicians and tutors from Norfolk and Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. Together, our members work intensively toward high-profile, professional performances.
NCYO is managed by Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Norwich, a performing arts centre based at Wymondham College. GYA Norwich provides Saturday music and drama training for children and young people throughout term time and is part of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, ranked No. 3 in the world for Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Premier Training: As Norfolk's premier youth orchestra, our students are taught and mentored by professional musicians (actively performing in orchestras within Norfolk and beyond) and elite teachers from Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Groups for All Stages: We have three groups for young musicians aged 4–18 at various stages of their development.
Holiday Courses: Programs run over a period of four to five days during the October, Easter, and Summer school holidays, offering both day and residential options.
Flexible Attendance: Most students attend all three courses throughout the year to get the best experience from the orchestra. However, we offer complete flexibility — you can attend a stand-alone course or choose the dates that best suit your family’s commitments.
Professional Performances: Every course offers the unique opportunity to rehearse alongside professional tutors and work directly toward a high-profile, professional concert.
We have three groups for young musicians aged 4–18 at various stages of their development. NCYO courses take place over a period of four to five days.
NCYO Rise (Grades 1-3)
Who it is for: Developing musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 1–3.
The Experience: Students learn the foundational skills of orchestral playing in a fun and supportive environment.
Schedule: Rehearsals run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm during NCYO course days.
Performance Opportunities: Members will give a special pre-concert performance on Thursday evening, prior to the NCYO main concert. They will also perform with the NCYO, experiencing the excitement of playing in a large-scale, combined county youth orchestra.
NCYO Springboard (Grades 4–6)
Who is it for: Intermediate musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 4–6
Schedule: Mornings will focus on sectional rehearsals and dedicated repertoire, while afternoons will involve rehearsing with the main orchestra to support them to move onto joining NCYO.
Performance Opportunities: Members will give a special pre-concert performance on Thursday evening (alongside NCYO Rise), prior to the NCYO main concert. They will also perform with the NCYO, experiencing the excitement of playing in a large-scale, combined county youth orchestra.
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (Grades 6+)
Who is it for: Advanced musicians playing any orchestral instrument at Grades 6+.
Schedule: Under the direction of Andrew Morley, a dynamic conductor and music educator, the program offers high-level ensemble experience, musical growth, and the development of leadership, teamwork, and confidence.
Performance Opportunities: Members will work towards a high-profile, professional concert conducted by Andrew Morley.
Our course in spring 2026 was made up of the following:
- 20 students were at grade 1–3
- 15 students were at grade 3–6
- 30 students were grade 6+
- 29 out of 65 students also attended Guildhall Young Artists Norwich
- Work with industry professionals
- Rehearse with like-minded peers
- Build confidence
- Develop performance skills
- Take part in public performances
- Form lifelong friendships through a shared love of music
- Experience the excitement of residential music-making
- Develop resilience, independence and leadership skills
- Create unforgettable musical memories
- Become part of Norfolk's vibrant community of young musicians
Established in 1959, the NCYO has been at the heart of the county's musical life for more than six decades. Across generations, thousands of young musicians have passed through its ranks, with former members going on to study at conservatoires and universities, build careers in the performing arts, and become music teachers and leaders in Norfolk's schools and communities. Today, many NCYO alumni remain closely connected to the orchestra, with some returning as tutors and supporters, and others watching their own children, and even grandchildren, follow in their footsteps.
How to Apply
If you have previously attended NCYO or are currently a student at Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Norwich, please apply directly by emailing gyanorwich@gsmd.ac.uk.
If you are new to the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO) and do not currently attend, you will need to complete our online sign-up form. Please see our ensemble entry requirements below.
NCYO (Grades 6+)
- Application: You must demonstrate on your application form that you are performing at Grade 6 or above.
- Audition: You may be asked to attend a short in-person audition or submit a video recording to the orchestra manager or an NCYO tutor. This should be an unaccompanied piece or section of a piece (around 2 minutes long). You may also be asked to show some scales and discuss your orchestral experience.
NCYO Rise (Grades 1-3) and NCYO Springboard (Grades 4–6)
- Application: You must demonstrate on your application form that you are performing at the required grade level.
- Audition: No audition is required for either of these ensembles.
The orchestra is committed to ensuring that every talented young musician has the opportunity to take part, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the generous support of Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra, an independent charity, means-tested bursaries are available to help make participation accessible to all.
Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student living in a household with a residual income of less that £47,000 may apply. The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £2,355 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.
To apply for a bursary for NCYO, simply fill out our application form and tick the relevant box in the finance and fees section.
The Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra is an independent charity. It was set up to foster and develop musical skills and opportunities for all Norfolk County Youth Orchestra players – especially those in greatest need of support.
It has also been the main source of financial support for the orchestra since 2019, heavily subsidising costs and supporting individual students with a bursary scheme.
Run by a group of volunteer trustees, any funds raised go directly to helping young musicians who would otherwise be unable to continue their passion and progress within music.
The Friends are vital and without them the NCYO would not be viable which is why the trust continues to seek support and donations to continue its work.
Support can come in many ways. It may be a small, personal donation or a business partnership. We are also keen to engage with organisations who are passionate about music and children’s development and who might be interested in running their own Friends fund-raising event or linking their brand with us.
You can support the work of FNCYO today by making an online donation or find out more ways that you can help to make a difference by visiting fncyo.org.uk.
Join the Guildhall Young Artists Norwich mailing list
Keep up to date