Sampler Days

Every year we run 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 always free, but numbers are always limited. Booking is expected to open in early 2022.

it was really enjoyable, and had the same fun, lively feel as a normal in-person sampler day!  

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.