Information for Trusts, Foundations and DAFs
For over 60 years, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra (SC016016) has been dedicated to nurturing musical excellence and widening access to orchestral opportunities for young people from Edinburgh, the Lothians and across Scotland. EYO provides high-quality, inclusive ensemble and orchestral training for young musicians aged 7 to 21, many of whom do not have access to similar opportunities in their schools or communities.
Our core aim is to ensure that all young musicians, regardless of financial background or geographic location, can experience the transformative power of playing in an ensemble or symphony orchestra. We focus equally on developing musical skills and confidence, and on building a strong sense of community among participants.
Our Reach
In 2026, EYO brought together 255 young people aged 8–21 from across Scotland, creating opportunities to develop musical skills, build confidence and connect with other young musicians.
EYO Ensembles Course 2026
156 young musicians age 8-16
68 schools
16 local authorities
EYO Symphony Orchestra 2026
99 young musicians age 11-21
35 schools, 8 universities/colleges
15 local authorities
28% received bursary support
Although EYO is based in Edinburgh and our courses take place there, our reach extends across Scotland. In 2026, we welcomed musicians from 22 of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities, with participants travelling from across the country to take part in our programmes. We work hard to reach communities where opportunities to access high-quality ensemble and orchestral music-making are limited. We believe in the positive social impact of these opportunities and are committed to ensuring that access to high-quality music-making is not determined solely by financial or geographical circumstances.
Our Funders
EYO is funded through grants and donations from trusts, foundations and individuals. We do not receive any government funding. Our full list of funders is available here.
If you can help support EYO’s work with a donation or grant, or want to find out more about our programmes, please contact us.
Our Programmes
EYO provides a progressive pathway for c.470 young musicians a year (from 2027), supporting them from their first experiences of ensemble playing through to advanced orchestral performance and, for some, into further study, professional performance and music education.
EYO Training Orchestra: A first step into orchestral playing | Ages 7–11
Launching in 2027, the Training Orchestra introduces primary-aged musicians working at around Grade 1–3 level to playing together in a large ensemble. Through string orchestra, wind band and an introduction to orchestral percussion course, young musicians will develop listening, musicianship and confidence under the guidance of our tutors, finishing with a sharing concert for family. Two courses will offer opportunities for up to 220 young musicians in 2027, creating an accessible entry point into EYO’s wider programme.
EYO Ensembles Course: Developing young orchestral musicians | Ages 10–18
The four-day Ensembles Course supports intermediate musicians working at around Grade 4–7+ level.
Participants develop their playing through sectional rehearsals, smaller ensemble coaching and full orchestral performance, led by experienced professional musicians.
EYO Symphony Orchestra: Advanced orchestral training and performance | Ages 13–21
EYO’s flagship, auditioned programme brings together advanced musicians working beyond Grade 7 standard for an intensive summer course (with preparatory rehearsal day in March) focused on major symphonic repertoire. Participants rehearse with tutors from across Scotland’s professional orchestras and work with leading conductors and soloists, culminating in public concerts. The 2027 programme will feature conductor José Salazar and cellist Laura van der Heijden, with performances at the Albert Halls in Stirling and Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.
EYO Trainee Tutors Programme: Developing the next generation of music educators
EYO’s Early Career Educators programme gives young musicians practical experience of teaching and supporting other players. In 2027, the programme will provide at least six Trainee Tutors with hands-on experience across the Training Orchestra and Ensembles Course, structured mentoring from experienced Tutors, and opportunities to develop teaching skills, confidence and professional networks. Additionally, the EYO Mentor role for S5 and S6 students provides an early introduction to music education and a potential progression route into trainee teaching.
Why Support EYO?
Demand for EYO’s programmes is growing, but financial and geographical barriers can prevent young musicians from accessing the opportunities they need to develop. Course fees, travel and accommodation costs can place significant pressure on families, particularly those on lower incomes or living in rural and remote parts of Scotland.
Musical development takes place over many years, and missing an opportunity at a key stage can affect a young person’s ability to progress. Our bursary programme therefore does more than make individual courses affordable: it protects pathways for young musicians to develop their skills, confidence and ambitions, from their first ensemble experiences through to advanced orchestral performance.
Support from trusts, foundations and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) will help us deliver four key priorities between 2027 and 2029:
1. Widening access through bursaries - Increasing financial support for young musicians who would otherwise struggle to participate, including help with course fees, travel and accommodation. We will also strengthen relationships with music services and community music organisations to reach young people with fewer opportunities to access high-quality ensemble music-making.
2. Creating clearer pathways for musical progression - Developing our new Training Orchestra as an entry point for younger and less experienced players, creating a more connected pathway through Training Orchestra, Ensembles and Symphony Orchestra. This will help young musicians access the right opportunities as their skills and ambitions develop.
3. Taking orchestral opportunities across Scotland - Expanding our geographical reach through performances and activities beyond Edinburgh. Our 2027 Symphony Orchestra performance at the Albert Halls in Stirling is an important first step, bringing high-level orchestral music-making to new audiences and communities.
4. Developing the next generation of music educators - Establishing an Early Career Educators programme through our Trainee Tutor scheme, giving young musicians in the first years of higher education practical teaching experience, mentoring and professional development while supporting younger EYO participants.
Together, these developments create a sustainable ecosystem of musical development, supporting young people not only to become better musicians but to become the next generation of performers, educators and advocates for music.
What People Say
“EYO provides a youth orchestra experience that is second to none nationally. The ambitious programming, superb tutor team and visionary management ensure that learners in the city can access opportunities to perform large scale symphonic works that it would not otherwise be possible. Their inclusive approach to participation ensures accessible pathways into their ensembles and they’ve consistently demonstrated a commitment to working together to ensure cost is never a barrier to participation for learners. We feel very fortunate to have this wonderful ensemble, as part of the musical fabric of our city.” – City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service
Participants:
“I have learned so much in the four days, and feel utterly inspired by the truly marvellous teachers, who have unlocked so many new orchestral skills for me.”- Eddie, Ensembles Course Participant 2026
“The tutors could not have been better, making me feel included and creating an amazing positive experience.. EYO Ensembles is something I will never forget.” – Alexander, Ensembles Course Participant 2026
“I really enjoyed being a part of EYO Symphony Orchestra this year. It was a brilliant opportunity to be taught by experienced and esteemed teachers and conductor. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable with the challenging passages of the repertoire. It was really rewarding to witness our collective hard work merge into a powerful sound. I really appreciate and value this immersive musical opportunity, which has given me confidence to continue pursuing more musical experiences like this and advancing my musical skills.”- Symphony Orchestra Participant 2026
Parents:
“What an overwhelming sense of joy we felt as parents as we sat and watched our daughter play in the EYO orchestra, something that would not have been possible without the support the bursary we were gifted. Music is a gift- one that shouldn't be hidden or restricted and our daughter has been able to shine doing something she loves alongside others who are passionate and talented. The techniques, skills and experience she learnt and came home with have been hugely successful in bringing her on in her own practice and the new friends she made gave her such a confidence boost and encouragement. You are inspiring the next generation of musicians and for that I am so grateful!” – Parent – Ensembles Course 2026
“EYO this Summer has just been the most amazing experience for my daughter. The holistic approach taken, with every member of staff really caring about the children, and the phenomenal standard of coaching, has put a smile back on her face.”– Parent, Symphony Orchestra 2026
Monitoring and Evaluation
We monitor and evaluate our work through participant surveys and feedback, tutor reviews and reflective practice and tracking bursary uptake, return rates and progression. We are also developing greater opportunities for young musicians themselves to shape and evaluate EYO through our Players’ Committee.
Over the 2027–2029 period, we will continue to monitor:
the number and proportion of participants receiving bursary support;
geographical reach across Scotland;
progression between EYO programmes, return rates and continued engagement with EYO
participant confidence, musical development and sense of belonging;
longer-term progression into further musical study, teaching and other opportunities where we can track this (see our Alumni page for more details)
This will allow us to understand not simply how many young people we support, but what difference that support makes.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact our General Manager, Laura Gardiner on info@edinburghyouthorchestra.org
