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 (22 September 2024)
Click here to book onto our Sampler Session
London Youth Folk Ensemble is an annual commitment.
2024-25 dates
Autumn Term 2024: 22 (Sampler Session), 29 Sept | 6, 20 Oct | 3, 24 Nov
Spring Term 2025: 12, 26 Jan | 9 Feb | 2, 9, 23 Mar
Summer Term 2025: 27 Apr | 4, 18 May | 15, 22 June
The Takeover 2025: Saturday 28 June
Learning by ear means I have gained a more intuitive and collaborative approach to music which is really fun and enables me to be creative
Fees
Fees will be payable after the sampler session (22 September 2024) 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.
Annual LYFE fee: £309 | £232 concessions
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 the following 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.
Take a listen to LYFE performing at Folk by the Oak 2024:
Meet the team
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
Henry’s folk journey
From the August 2023 edition of English Dance and Song magazine: meet Henry Walker, who is profoundly autistic and has been a member of the London Youth Folk Ensemble for almost five years
Future Makers
From the April 2023 edition of English Dance and Song magazine: Elye Cuthbertson, a recent member of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, tells us how he took folk music to the heart of the Royal Albert Hall’s competition.
