Autumn / Winter music thread - 2026/2027

[northerngoldilocks]

Time for a new thread for the new school year!

Come and talk about music lessons, choosing instruments, exams, auditions, specialist schools, orchestras or whatever other music activities are going on. Everyone is welcome, from those with total beginners to those whose children are studying music at advanced levels. Ask for advice or share successes or struggles.

Is it for violin? If it's any consolation, I found even U12 violins' level insanely high, with some talented and really hard working JD students as well as children of professional musicians doing seconds.

I was surprised tbh.

Yep violin. Its just having done u 13 she will be so disappointed not to go back

Yeah, that’s really hard. Violin is so hard. Is she eligible for Inspire with NYO? I think it’s still open to apply.

Yes-and has a session but 1 day in Oct isn’t that much of a consolation prize

It's so hard for them when they don't get into something. Often it's when they are stepping up a level that the outcome is less certain, so in a way, it does show progress as not going for 'safe' options. Mine is awaiting one very long shot (NYO) then will probably apply for a dead cert ( a well respected regional schools one out with our area but still eligible), a reasonable safe bet ( a non residential one) and one where she'd hope to get the higher level instead of the current level of ensemble. Hopefully will then at least get something for next year. ( A bit like uni choices!!) There are so many opportunities out there, hopefully everyone finds something suitable. I think it's probably stressful re- auditioning to something you were in previously and not getting it.
Also NYO inspire usually has a course in February too, as well as other bits and pieces like two day guest etc (unfortunately often at last minute)

Condolences to @northerngoldilocksDD. Violin is so competitive and u14 is the highest level. It’s harsh especially when she’s done it last year and enjoyed it. Not much of a comfort but hope she’ll cope well and find something that she enjoys.

DS’s got in the weekends so he’s pleased.

That’s really tough @northerngoldilocks. Hopefully you can find some other residentials to do instead that will be equally fun.

@northerngoldilocksYeah. There is def other stuff with them too tho. A fair bit clashes with NCO too so hang on in there.

Hello! I just found this group when searching about the NCO under 12s. I just heard my son got a place on percussion (which I feel must be way easier that violin or similar). But you all seem like such an expert lot I wondered if you had any advice. I only heard about NCO from another mum just over a year ago and it was rather by chance and I wonder what else I should be doing or know about? My son is 11, just started secondary - loves drumming, percussion and piano. Percussion is actually his newest and lowest graded instrument(s) but gives him a great opportunity to get involved with others. He was saying the other day how he would love to drum for theatre and musicals though, as well as playing percussion in orchestras. Just for reference he got 98% in his grade 6 drums recently and is well on his way with grade 7, did grade 5 piano well over a year ago but has been messing around with rock n roll, jazz etc and only started focussing back on doing grade 6 and is about grade 4-5 percussion (but hasn't had much chance to access the range of instruments until he started secondary). He's very excited to have gotten to play timpani and vibraphone in his first 2 lessons at school already! He just does individual lessons, nothing else outside of school. He did the NCO weekends last year and LOVED it. Anyway any advice much appreciated.

Hi @Amanda1000000 welcome! I don’t really have much advice as my DS is younger - I am sure you will have words of wisdom for others on this thread new to NCO etc!

Whereabouts in the country do you live? Some of the conservatoires have junior departments that can be great for talented kids.

I can only say that percussion always seems like amazing fun and it is a lifelong dream of mine to play timpani in an orchestra - so you’ve got a very lucky DS as far as I’m concerned!

Aw that's tough northern, I'm sorry. Have a look around, once they're into secondary age there are a lot of orchestras with residentials, and she may find something 13-18 that is as a result of the wider age range just as high playing standard as NCO.

And congrats to those who have got NCO places. (Not to mention congrats to NCO for getting the results out so quickly this year!)

Amanda1000000 he will have loads of fun and learn a lot. Based on percussionists we know, consider getting a bigger car and a large sound-proofed shed. Only half joking. They have had a great time and are always much in demand. Take a look at NYMT or BYMT musician track in a year or two for music theatre. (i think that's the right acronyms - not a MT family ourselves - iirc they may have their own threads on here too). Do you have a local youth orchestra/concert band he could join? Ours are always keen to have percussionists, and there's some drum kit involved as well given the repertoire.

NYO question - does anyone know if results tend to be emailed on the last day suggested (28/09) or if they ever come any earlier? I know the first round results came relatively late on the final day they had mentioned.

I think they have been on the day stated each time, they are pretty organised. It's a pretty quick turnaround from last auditions so wouldn't expect them any earlier. Maybe just have 6pm as the expectation in your head! Then comes the awkward trying to find out which friends have/ haven't got in! Glad it's soon then we can move on with other things. We are still very tentatively holding holiday plans on the slight chance.

Thanks! Yes - that's what I expected and had in my head, but apparently someone mentioned at school today that there has been talk at the second round of emails coming out from Thursday this week.

It could be possible, my friend at JD got their results last year before the due date.

Has anyone received the LSSO audition invites for 2026/27 yet?

No. But the potential dates for each instrument are listed on the audition info in case that helps?