The group and tutors are really friendly and supportive. My confidence as a performer has increased dramatically since joining this awesome band! I couldn't recommend it more – Olivia
For young people aged 11 to 19 years old (up to 24 years old for D/deaf and disabled young people)
Welcoming young musicians who want to create and perform amazing folk music together!
The Ensemble meets regularly from September to July and performs at exciting events across London and beyond.
LYFE is open for improver to advanced level musicians of any instrument. This means that you should be confident using your instrument and be able to play independently but do not need to have passed any particular grade. All music is taught by ear and no previous experience of folk music is needed.
London Youth Folk Ensemble is an annual commitment and places are offered after you attend our Sampler session at the start of the Autumn term.
Taking part can contribute to an Arts Award Bronze or Silver Award.
How do I join?
To join the London Youth Folk Ensemble you need to:
- Be 11 to 19 years old (up to up to 24 year olds for D/deaf and disabled young people)
- Have a good grasp of technique on your instrument and be able to play tunes confidently
- Have some experience of learning and playing tunes by ear
- Have some experience of playing your instrument in a group (eg band, ensemble, orchestra)
- Demonstrate passion for folk music and commitment to the Ensemble
- Attend our free Sampler Session at the start of the Autumn term
London Youth Folk Ensemble is an annual commitment.
Join us for our free Sampler Session at Cecil Sharp House on 17 September!
2023–24 dates
Autumn Term 2023: 17 Sept | 1, 15 Oct | 5, 19 Nov | 3 Dec
Spring Term 2024: 28 Jan | 4, 25 Feb | 3, 10, 24 Mar
Summer Term 2024: 21, 28 Apr | 12, 19 May | 9, 30 June
The Takeover 2024: Saturday 6 July
Other Performances:
LSO St Luke’s (March 2024)
Folk By The Oak, festival at Hatfield House (July 2024)
2023–2024 Fees
Annual fee: £300 | £225 concessions
Fees will be payable after the sampler session if you decide you would like to join the Ensemble for the full academic year.
Bursary places are also available for keen young musicians, whose families would not otherwise be able to afford the existing concessionary fee. You can read about how to apply for a bursary below.
Bursary Places
We want more young people from a wider range of backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances to benefit from joining London Youth Folk Ensemble. To support this, we have set aside a limited number of bursary places to enable keen young musicians, whose families would not otherwise be able to afford the existing concessionary fees for the Ensemble, to take part. This is usually a partial bursary which provides a substantial discount to the concessionary rate. In exceptional circumstances a full bursary may be given. To help us reach the young people who would most benefit from this opportunity, we have created this new nomination process.
Who can nominate?
We accept nominations from music leaders, teachers, youth workers, social workers, community leaders and any adults that work with the young person and can vouch for their dedication to music. However, we cannot accept applications from parents/guardians. We will contact them for permission if their child has been given a provisional place.
Nominators can nominate as many young people as they wish (using one form per young person) but note that we only have a limited number of bursaries available.
Meet the team
Alexandra Patterson (Music Leader)
Alexandra Patterson is a fiddle player, guitarist, singer and educator with a varied background in traditional folk and alternative music. She’s worked with the likes of Martin Green (LAU) and Michael McGoldrick. She’s the key founder of the band ‘AK Patterson’ who supported alt-J on tour internationally and around the UK, appearing at the Royal Albert Hall and showcased at The Cambridge Folk Festival.
Aaron Horlock (Music Leader)
Aaron Horlock is a multi-instrumentalist and educator with backgrounds in both traditional and classical music. During his studies at Trinity Laban, Aaron found a love for traditional music from the British isles and beyond and has been an active member of the scene since. Aaron has toured and played festivals around the UK with various bands and artists and is currently playing as a member of Man The Lifeboats as well as with duo partner Nick Goode.
Terms and conditions and Policies
