Sampler Days
Play by ear and develop your creativity
Learn from inspiring professional musicians
Explore folk music
Find out about the National Youth Folk Ensemble
We’re running Online Youth Folk Sampler Days across England in May half-term.
Sampler Days are free, but you need to book in advance.
To register for a Sampler Day you will need to:
- be aged 12–18
- live in England
- be able to play confidently on your chosen instrument
Each Sampler Day features:
- online music workshops with highly skilled professional folk artists
- online Q&A with Ensemble staff
- optional short online audition, if you wish to apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble (please note the auditions are for people who are 14–18 on 1 September 2021)
Sampler Days are open to players of any instrument. No experience of folk music necessary. All playing and learning will be done by ear. You are welcome to book for any date, however we recommend booking for your closest event if possible, to meet other young musicians from your area.
Places are free, but numbers are limited.
Reserve yours now!
it was really enjoyable, and had the same fun, lively feel as a normal in-person sampler day!
Saturday 29 May
In partnership with Lancashire County Council Heritage Learning Team + Lancashire Music Hub
11am–4pm
Sunday 30 May
In partnership with Kent Music
11am–4pm
Monday 31 May
In partnership with Derbyshire Music Hub
11am–4pm
Tuesday 1 June
In partnership with Blaize, North East
11am–4pm
Wednesday 2 June
In partnership with National Centre for Early Music, York
11am–4pm
Friday 4 June
In partnership with Music8London
11am–4pm
Saturday 5 June
In partnership with Wiltshire Music Centre
11am–4pm
Sunday 6 June
In partnership with The Stables, Milton Keynes
11am–4pm
I absolutely loved this experience and it was very empowering playing with others, playing traditional English tunes but making them our own
Folk is relatively new to me, and this really boosted my confidence.
If you’re interested in joining the National Youth Folk Ensemble, you’ll need to attend a Sampler Day to start the audition process. Find out more
Sampler Days have previously taken place in Bristol, Birmingham, Basingstoke, Cambridge, Derby, Didcot, Durham, Exeter, Gateshead, Leeds, Liskeard, London, Manchester, Okehampton, Sheffield, Southampton and York.
