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- Tasks: Join a vibrant ensemble of young folk musicians and develop your skills through intensive courses.
- Company: National Youth Folk Ensemble, celebrating the passion for folk music.
- Benefits: Expert tuition, high-profile performances, and travel bursaries available.
- Other info: One-year commitment with residential courses during school holidays.
- Why this job: Collaborate with like-minded musicians and perform at major festivals across England.
- Qualifications: Aged 14-18, confident on your instrument, and passionate about folk music.
Each year we will look for excellent instrumentalists aged 14 to 18 who are dedicated to developing as folk musicians and excited about collaborating with others who share their passion!
Everyone in the Ensemble experiences:
- four weeks of intensive residential courses in different parts of England
- expert, dedicated tuition and guidance from leading folk musicians
- focussed development of skills in performance, arrangement and leadership
- high-profile performances at major festivals and venues around England
Membership is a one-year commitment from October to August. The residential courses take place in the school holidays: October, February, April and summer. Each year, one of the residential weeks is spent at Halsway Manor, the national centre for folk arts in Somerset.
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:
- Submit your application (by midnight on 14 June 2026)
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 (available January 2026), 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. If you would prefer or would find it more accessible to complete the application form in a Word document please get in touch on ensemble@efdss.org.
Submit a film of you playing your main instrument. Please send your film to ensemble@efdss.org with the subject line ‘Application for National Youth Folk Ensemble 2025–26’. 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.
- We know that you may play multiple instruments. For your audition, please choose one instrument to audition on – this should be the instrument you enjoy playing most and are most comfortable and confident playing.
You can send your film in one of the following ways:
- Unlisted YouTube link
- DropBox link
- Send large files with WeTransfer.
Attend a Creative Audition Day, if invited. Selected musicians will be invited to a Creative Audition Day at Cecil Sharp House in London. For 2026–27, the audition dates are 11 and 12 July 2026. 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 2026–27 National Youth Folk Ensemble.
National Youth Folk Ensemble in Leeds employer: Soundandmusic
Contact Detail:
Soundandmusic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Youth Folk Ensemble in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get your instrument ready and practice! Make sure you can play your chosen pieces confidently. We want to hear your passion for folk music, so pick tunes that showcase your skills and that you genuinely enjoy playing.
✨Tip Number 2
When filming your audition, make it personal! Introduce yourself clearly and let your personality shine through. Remember, we’re looking for enthusiasm and a love for collaboration, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the Creative Audition Day! Brush up on your ensemble skills and be ready to show us how well you work with others. It’s all about teamwork, so think about how you can contribute to the group dynamic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy, and we’re here to help if you have any questions. Make sure you submit everything before the deadline, and good luck – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the Ensemble!
We think you need these skills to ace National Youth Folk Ensemble in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Application Form: Before diving in, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the application form. It’s a one-shot deal, so make sure you have all your details ready to go. Think about your musical journey and why you want to join us – this is your chance to shine!
Showcase Your Best Self: When it comes to your audition film, pick a piece that you love and can play confidently. We want to see your passion for folk music, so choose tunes that reflect your style and personality. Remember, quality over quantity – a well-played simple tune beats a rushed complex one any day!
Be Yourself in the Video: Don’t forget to introduce yourself in your video! Share your name and what you’ll be playing. This helps us connect with you right from the start. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and personality – we’re all about collaboration and creativity!
Plan Ahead for the Audition Day: If you get invited to the Creative Audition Day, prepare to showcase not just your instrumental skills but also your ability to work with others. Bring your enthusiasm and be ready to collaborate – we’re excited to see how you interact with fellow musicians. And don’t forget, apply through our website for a smooth process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soundandmusic
✨Know Your Instrument Inside Out
Make sure you can play your chosen instrument confidently and accurately. Practise your pieces until you can perform them without hesitation, as this will showcase your skill and dedication during the audition.
✨Showcase Your Folk Passion
Select traditional or contemporary folk tunes that resonate with you. This not only demonstrates your interest in folk music but also allows you to express your musicality and personality through your performance.
✨Prepare for the Creative Audition Day
If invited, be ready to demonstrate your ensemble skills and enthusiasm. Think about how you can collaborate with others and show your willingness to share ideas, as this is key to being part of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
✨Be Yourself and Have Fun
Remember, the audition is not just about technical skill; it's also about your passion for music and collaboration. Let your personality shine through, and enjoy the process – it’s all part of what makes folk music special!