Inspiring young string players along a journey of musical discovery fuelled by challenging repertoire, excellent tuition and outstanding performance opportunities.
EMYSO (East Midlands Youth String Orchestra) offers young string players the opportunity to experience the listening, communication and teamwork at the heart of chamber music. Working in a smaller ensemble, players will explore a wide range of string repertoire while learning to listen and respond to one another with greater confidence and independence. Alongside developing ensemble and chamber music skills, sessions will help players refine their bow technique, deepen their musicianship and develop a more expressive approach to playing.
For the 2026–27 season, EMYSO Director Tamaki Higashi will lead the ensemble from within, playing alongside the young musicians. This gives players a valuable side-by-side experience: the opportunity to learn through close musical interaction, responding, listening and playing together in an intimate ensemble setting.
With every player taking an important musical role, EMYSO aims to nurture confident, responsive and independent young musicians while sharing the enjoyment and excitement of making music together.
What the players say
‘The greatest part of being in EMYSO is when the group comes together to give an amazing performance of a piece that at the first rehearsal, seemed impossible. The biggest thing I will take away with me is the confidence I have gained from being part of a great orchestra that is so welcoming.’
The Details
| Rehearsals | Sundays, 2.00pm – 5.00pm, approximately fortnightly during term time |
| Venue | Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus |
| Age Range | Approx. 10-18 years |
| Grade/Level of ability | Members are grade 5 standard and above – auditioned (see below for details) |
| Conductor | Tamaki Higashi |
Contact us by completing the form at the bottom of this page to let us know you are interested, or email/phone the MfE office on admin@music-for-everyone.org tel. 0115 9589312.
We don’t want anyone to be excluded from MfE activities because of their financial circumstances and there is a subsidised scheme available for any who needs it. Please contact kirstie@music-for-everyone.org if this is the case.
How to audition
If you play a string instrument to a minimum of grade 5 standard we’d love to hear from you and invite you to experience it for yourself. To become a member we would invite you to join a rehearsal for a free taster session. Following this, we would take the opportunity to hear your playing in an audition, and in particular we are looking for players who:
- have a minimum standard of Associated Board Grade 5 or its equivalent
- will be able to attend regularly and will be available to play in all or very nearly all of our concerts (approximately four a year)
- have some sight-reading ability
- are interested in performing a wide-ranging repertoire
- get on well with other people
