Investment in Music Education in Wales will support services to build provision

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s continued funding for the National Music Service for the next 3 years.

National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW)

The £12m investment (£4m annually) is to enable the National Music Service to sustain and build its delivery of the National Plan for Music Education through to March 2028, promoting equitable access to quality music education for all learners in Wales.

Since its launch in 2022, the National Music Service has supported thousands of learners to take part in music activities, learn to play instruments, build creative skills and discover new pathways to wider opportunities in music through school and community programmes.

NMS Wales is co-ordinated by the WLGA and works closely with all the Local Authorities in Wales and a wide range of partners to support delivery. The new round of funding will allow music services to continue to deliver core programmes, such as the Music in Schools programme, Making Music with others, developing the ‘Notes on Inclusion’ strategy and the national instrument library. The NMS will also continue to offer free access to pupils and teachers to the successful bi-lingual music education platform, Charanga Cymru.

Responding to the funding announcement, Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales said:

“Wales has a proud history of musical excellence amongst its young people, which contributes to our national identity, community, educational outcomes, mental resilience and sheer happiness. This renewed funding from the Welsh Government will help us at National Youth Arts Wales continue to deliver the world-famous National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and the National Brass Band of Wales - in close partnership with the excellent music services throughout Wales.

“At a time when families in Wales are struggling with so many challenges, music and creativity can help lift young people’s horizons, rekindle their dreams and inspire them to become flourishing Welsh citizens of the future.”

“The creative, social and educational impacts of NMS Wales for young people right across Wales, whatever their background, have been clearly demonstrated already in its first years, and are extraordinary”, said Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the Chair of NMS Wales’ advisory board.

“Welsh Government’s decision to continue this funding will enable the many music services, music teachers, schools and partner organisations involved in its delivery to maintain the huge successes to date, and take the visionary aims of this service to the next stage.”

NMS Wales National Co-Ordinator Mari Lloyd Pritchard said:

“We are delighted and relieved that the funding will continue for the next three years. Music Services across Wales have worked tirelessly over the last three years to offer excellent music education opportunities for children and young people in every county across Wales and we 2 of 3 are excited by the inspirational results of this work every day. Recovery takes time, and alongside our hugely supportive key partners, we look forward to building on these vital foundations successfully secured since 2022.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA spokesperson for Education, said:

“We’re pleased to see continued support for the National Music Service. Music plays a vital role in helping young people express themselves, build confidence and develop new skills. This funding will help ensure that more children can experience the joy of making music, wherever they live and whatever their background. “In today’s challenging economic climate, it’s encouraging to see the Welsh Government maintaining its support for music education and the arts. At a time when many services are under pressure, the fact that this funding has not decreased is a strong signal of the value placed on creativity and opportunity for all. Investing in music is also an investment in wellbeing, confidence, and the wider educational journey of our young people.”

The Return of Yukiko: NYDW announce 25th Year Company

National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) is thrilled to announce the return of renowned Choreographer and Movement Director, Yukiko Masui.  

The Tokyo-born, internationally acclaimed choreographer based in London, will join NYDW in Cardiff this July for a 2-week residency with the 25th Year Company before they travel to London for an exciting performance at the famous ‘Home of Dance’ - Sadler’s Wells East.  

The company will be restaging The Night is Darkest Just Before Dawn by Yukiko Masui - a powerful fusion of Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, and Martial Arts. The piece will be reworked and extended featuring new sections.  

NYDW’s 25th year ensemble members came together earlier this month to meet as a company in person for the very first time. The day kicked off with Errol White of White & Givan and The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television for an Elite Intensive workshop with our dancers, followed by their costume fittings and having professional headshots taken. 

“It was a privilege to work with National Youth Dance Wales. Beautiful work everyone!”, said award-winning performer, choreographer and movement director, Errol White. 

NYDW 2025 Company

This year’s company is a vibrant mix of returning alumni and fresh faces. We are proud to welcome back many returning dancers, who bring with them experience and an understanding of the NYDW ethos and values. Alongside them, nine brand new dancers are joining the company for the first time following nationwide auditions in March. 

Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales said: “I'm so excited by the energy of this year's ensemble. These dancers are incredibly talented—definitely ones to watch!" 

NYDW 2025 Company

During this year’s residency in July at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, ensemble members will have the opportunity to take a range of classes alongside and delivered by NYDW alumni. 

On Par Productions will be capturing the company’s journey from the ‘Discovery Day’ through to the performance in Sadler’s Wells East, which aims to honour the rich history of National Youth Dance Wales while celebrating the vibrant spirit of its current members. 

By capturing the essence of NYDW, we seek to inspire future generations of dancers and celebrate those who have been part of the ensemble since its founding and have helped shape the program.

This year’s company will be returning to perform on home turf at The Riverfront, Newport, on October 31. Ticket information will be announced soon.

Watch "NYDW 2024 in the studio with Yukiko Masui" 

National Youth Arts Wales launches Summer of Music 2025

This Summer, the sound of Wales' brightest young musicians will echo across the nation. National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is proud to announce its Summer of Music 2025 — a spectacular season of live performances from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the National Youth Choir of Wales. 

These three nationally renowned ensembles will perform across iconic venues throughout Wales, including Brangwyn Hall in Swansea and the gothic St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire – as well as beyond the border – offering audiences a chance to experience the exceptional artistry, energy and creativity of the next generation of talented Welsh musicians. 

“This is a landmark summer for young Welsh artists,” said Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales. “Summer of Music 2025 brings together our most talented young musicians, world-class musical direction, and stunning venues in a true celebration of Wales’ musical future.” 

Alt text: National Youth Arts Wales Summer of Music flyer containing black and white images of young musicians, a ticket link and funding logos.

🎻 National Youth Orchestra of Wales – Concert Tour 2025 

Led by internationally acclaimed conductor Kwamé Ryan, the all-American programme will feature Bernstein's brilliant Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture. Come and celebrate the talent of Wales’ finest young musicians as they bring these iconic works to life! 

31st July @ 7.30pm – St Davids Cathedral (Fishguard Festival of Music) 

• 1st August @ 2.15pm – Hereford Cathedral (Three Choirs Festival) 

• 2nd August @ 2.30pm – St Asaph Cathedral, Denbighshire 

• 3rd August @ 3pm – Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 

🎺 National Youth Brass Band of Wales – Concert Tour 2025 

NYBBW Alumnus and Musical Director of the 2024 Championship Brass Band Flowers, Paul Holland, returns to conduct his former Band in a dazzling programme full of fantastic music that promises something for everyone. Joining Paul and the NYBBW will be the brilliant young percussionist Jordan Ashman - winner of the 2022 BBC Young Musician of the Year 

• 21st August @ 7.30pm – William Aston Hall, Wrexham 

• 22nd August @ 7.30pm – Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth 

• 23rd August @ 3pm – The Riverfront, Newport 

 
🎶 National Youth Choir of Wales – Concert Tour 2025 

Experience the power of voice in harmony in spectacular settings. Under the inspiring direction of their conductor Tim Rhys-Evans, this extraordinary choir of young Welsh talent will deliver a breathtaking performance filled with passion, energy and musical excellence.   

• 23rd August @ 7.30pm – St Asaph Cathedral, Denbighshire 

• 24th August @ TBC – St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff (Free Entry) 

• 25th August @ 3pm – Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 

🎟️ Tickets & More Information 

Join us this Summer to celebrate the exceptional skill and passion of young Welsh musicians—and be part of the future of music in Wales! 
 
Tickets for our Summer of Music 2025 concerts are on sale now via nyaw.org.uk/whats-on 

National Youth Arts Wales Receives Award from Garfield Weston Foundation to Support Strategic Expansion Across Wales

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is proud to announce a significant grant of £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation. This vital funding will help safeguard the future of Wales’ five national youth ensembles and enable NYAW to expand its work reaching young people across the nation. 

“This core support from the Garfield Weston Foundation makes a huge difference at a critical time,” said Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of NYAW. “It not only strengthens our ability to deliver for the hundreds of talented young musicians, actors, and performers across our five national ensembles, but also allows us to continue our strategic programme to identify and address gaps in creative provision across Wales.” 

NYAW's strategic programme includes delivering workshops and targeted creative projects in communities with limited access to the arts—work that is increasingly vital as the wider Welsh arts sector faces unprecedented financial pressures. 

The grant comes from one of the UK’s most respected charitable funders. Established in 1958, the Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded grant-maker that supports a wide range of charities across the UK. To date, the Foundation has donated over £1.5 billion, with more than half given away in the last decade alone. In the most recent financial year, it awarded over £100 million to just under 1,800 charities across the UK. 

“This generous grant is not just an investment in our organisation, but in the creative futures of young people in every county in Wales,” Evan Dawson added. “We are deeply grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for standing with us.” 

National Youth Arts Wales remains committed to offering inclusive, high-quality opportunities for young artists across the country, ensuring that geography and background are never barriers to participation in the arts. 

If you would like to support NYAW with a financial contribution to our vital work in the Arts in Wales, please contact: tracymarshallgrant@nyaw.org.uk 

Celebrating Assemble: A Creative Journey of Joy and Inclusion

Led by National Youth Arts Wales, in partnership with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, “Assemble” started in Autumn 2023. It is a joyful, two-year creative project all about imagination and inclusion, with young people taking the spotlight. 

We’ve worked with three incredible non-mainstream schools across South Wales (Ysgol y Deri, Greenfield School and Ysgol Crug Glas) - delivering creative workshops every fortnight, organising cultural visits, and helping young disabled people explore their ideas, identities, and talents through the arts.  

And on Thursday 10th April, at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, it was finally time to celebrate all they’ve achieved! 

Our brilliant Participation and Learning team - Hope Dowsett and Bruna Garcia - opened the day with warmth and energy, welcoming families, teachers, supporters, and young people to a day of performance sharing, celebration, and of course… cake. 

“This has been a vibrant, energetic, and occasionally bubble-filled adventure,” 
– Bruna Garcia, Participation & Learning Officer 

Our Wales-based work ran alongside parallel programmes in London and Manchester, with each strand designed to reflect local voices and priorities. Here in Wales, we’ve been proud to lead with care, creativity and community. 

From classroom-based workshops to unforgettable theatre trips (yes, the penguins in Madagascar were a definite highlight!), Assemble has been about creating safe and exciting spaces for young people to explore who they are, connect with others, and build their confidence through creativity. 

“What’s made this project so significant is the community it’s created”, Hope said. “Young people and volunteers have come together over a shared love of creativity, building friendships, developing teamwork, and becoming advocates for change.” 

Over the past two years, there have been sessions every two weeks - filled with laughter, play, thoughtful conversations and more than a few cups of tea. But what really stood out on the day was the sheer joy in the room.   

“Assemble has shown us what’s possible when we truly listen to young people—especially those whose voices too often go unheard. The team at National Youth Arts Wales is incredibly proud of every young person who took part. We will continue to champion the vital importance of the arts and creative collaboration for every single young person in Wales, including those in non-mainstream schools.” 

— Evan Dawson, CEO, National Youth Arts Wales 

This project has been a big team effort together with our brilliant partners from National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, the creative minds at Hijinx, Craidd, and Grand Ambition, to the researchers at London Metropolitan University, the Creative Learning Team at Wales Millenium Centre, and the wonderful teachers who let us turn their classrooms into stages, oceans, and dance floors. 

A huge thank you goes to our funders—the National Lottery Community Fund and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation—for making projects like this possible, and for backing the kind of arts that genuinely change lives. 

Of course, the biggest thank you of all goes to the young people who’ve been part of Assemble. You’ve shown what’s possible when creativity is for everyone. 

We ended the day in the best way we know how - with tea and cake. Because if there’s one thing that we’ve learned during Assemble, its that great things happen when we come together. And no good party is without tea and cake! 

National Youth Arts Wales wants this to be just the beginning for the young people involved in Assemble. This journey doesn’t end here - let’s keep creating, connecting, and celebrating the young people across Wales. 

If you would like to get in touch with our Participation and Learning team about the Assemble project, please contact: hopedowsett@nyaw.org.uk / brunagarcia@nyaw.org.uk 

National Youth Jazz Wales is Launched

A New Era of Jazz Takes Off in Wales 

45 young jazz musicians from throughout Wales gathered for the first-ever National Youth Jazz Wales residency this Easter. This ambitious three-day course marked the launch of a major new initiative by National Youth Arts Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru—an ambitious partnership designed to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians in Wales. 

National Youth Jazz Wales is launched at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. NYAW Chief Executive, Evan Dawson holds a microphone in the centre of the image before the young musicians perform. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.

Three Days of Music, Mentorship & Magic 

Young instrumentalists and vocalists aged 14–22 were immersed in workshops, rehearsals, improvisation sessions and masterclasses with some of Wales’s most celebrated jazz professionals, including Andrew Bain, Paula Gardiner, Huw Warren, Joe Northwood and Gethin Liddington. They were also supported by current RWCMD jazz students, who played an active role as mentors. 

“Being at this course is really great. I’ve learnt SO much regarding improvising and general playing” – Karishma Sharma-Barrow, NYJW participant 

“It’s a great opportunity to meet other musicians, musicians that have come from all across the country - all at different levels but there’s always something to learn from someone else, especially the teachers. They’ve worked with us well.”   – Tom Kochalski, NYJW participant 

The impact of the residency reached beyond the students themselves, resonating strongly with their families too. 

 “My son had an amazing time and learnt a lot. Before going, he was a bit anxious about being in such a big group of young people, but he felt so included and comfortable the whole time. He didn’t want it to end.”  

“[My son] loves playing jazz and this is the first opportunity he's had to perform with like-minded musicians.” – Parent of Participant 

“Thank you so much for organising a fantastic course. My son really enjoyed it and he's sad it's over—and hopes you’ll do it again very soon!” – Parent of Participant 

A Connected Jazz Future for Wales 

This pilot residency marks just the beginning. National Youth Jazz Wales is set to grow into a year-round programme offering young musicians across Wales unprecedented access to high-quality jazz education and performance opportunities. 

 “We’re building a national jazz network that connects young talent with mentors, peers, and opportunities that simply haven’t existed at this scale before,” said Andrew Bain, Head of Jazz at RWCMD. “This is a major step for Welsh jazz.” 

Backed by Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales, the project is a landmark in inclusive music development—creating space for young people to connect, express themselves, and envision a future in jazz or improvised music. 

Stay Tuned! 

“During the past year, we’ve been working with the National Music Services throughout Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru to understand what the opportunities are for young aspiring jazz musicians in Wales - and we found there was a massive gap in provision”, said Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales. “This project is a massive opportunity to find those young people and bring them together to collaborate, learn from the fantastic tutors at the College, and progress on their journeys.”  

 
To be the first to hear about future National Youth Jazz Wales courses, subscribe to NYAW’s mailing list or follow @nationalyouthartswales on social media.   

National Youth Dance Wales turns 25 - Join the Celebration!

Get ready to dance, reminisce and be inspired! This year marks 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) empowering young dancers and shaping the future of dance in Wales.  
 
To mark this incredible milestone, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is launching a nationwide celebration—honouring our past, showcasing our present, and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Expect powerful performances, unforgettable stories, and a vision for the future that will set the stage for the next 25 years! 

We’ll be sharing the moments, memories, and magic that have defined NYDW—and trust us, big things are coming. 

We’re taking the NYDW story on the road! A dynamic, interactive exhibition will travel to theatres, libraries, and community spaces across Wales, bringing our history to life. But that’s not all—each stop will feature a FREE NYDW dance workshop, led by our incredible alumni and NYDW staff. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to give it a go, this is your chance to experience the energy and joy of NYDW firsthand! 

To commemorate this milestone, we’re publishing a special 25th Anniversary Programme, packed with: 

• Stunning performance images 

• Exclusive interviews with choreographers & alumni 

• Insight from those that have help shape NYDW, from advisory panellists, group leaders, dance advocates 

• Never-before-seen sketches of our iconic production designs 
  …and so much more! 

This is more than a keepsake—it’s a legacy for dancers, educators, and arts supporters. 

The excitement doesn’t stop there! NYDW’s 25th Year Company and choreographer will be announced soon—and they’ll be creating breathtaking choreography for two major performances: 

SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON – July 25, 2025 
Sharing the stage with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and National Youth Dance Company (England). 

THE RIVERFRONT, NEWPORT – October 30 & 31, 2025 
A triumphant return to Wales for a showcase of passion, power, and artistry. 

National Youth Arts Wales’ Head of Dance, Jamie Jenkins, says:  
 
"For 25 years, NYDW has been a catalyst for young dancers—igniting creativity, forging lifelong connections, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dance. This milestone isn’t just about looking back; it’s about stepping boldly into the future, celebrating the power of movement, and inspiring the next generation to take the stage.” 

Were You Part of NYDW? We Want to Hear from You! 

Once a part of NYDW, always a part of the family! If you danced with us, get in touch! Share your name, location, and the year you were in NYDW—and if you have photos or videos, we’d love to see them! 

This is your celebration, and we want you to be part of it. Let’s make this a year to remember—#NYDW25 starts now!  

From Classrooms to Centre Stage: National Youth Arts Wales inspires performers throughout Wales

Former National Youth Theatre Wales member, Niamh Moulton, presenting on the roadshow. Photo: Kirsten McTernan

At a time when the Arts sector across Wales faces growing financial pressures and uncertainty, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been a vital lifeline for creative young people. Throughout February and March 2025, NYAW visited 15 secondary schools, colleges, and youth theatres, engaging over 550 students aged 14-18 in dynamic workshops designed to nurture the next generation of performers.

Delivered by a young team of National Youth Theatre Wales (NYTW) alumni—many of whom have since built careers in the arts—the NYAW Roadshow provided not just skills development, but a powerful message: opportunities in the arts should not be reserved for the few, especially as funding cuts threaten to narrow the path.

Megan Childs, Theatre Producer at National Youth Arts Wales said:

“Meeting students, teachers, and course leaders from every corner of Wales has been inspiring. Yet, beneath that enthusiasm lies a stark reality: many schools, especially in areas facing economic hardship, are working miracles to keep arts education alive despite dwindling resources. There’s no shortage of talent or commitment among young people -what’s lacking is the consistent investment to support them.”

The Roadshow is part of NYAW’s new Ambassador programme, offering paid training and facilitation opportunities for former NYTW ensemble members. These alumni not only led workshops but also shared their own journeys, showing students how involvement in the arts can lead to professional careers and lifelong personal development.

Niamh Moulton, a 2017-2019 NYTW member and now working professionally in the arts, reflected:

“It was great getting to tell students interested in creative arts what National Youth Theatre Wales can offer them. They were at the perfect age to be able to apply and audition over several different years, which is something I wish I’d done. I’m also glad schools in Wales are as passionate and eager about the arts as NYAW is - a positive step in the best direction for the future of the industry.”

Dafydd Leonard, who has been part of NYTW since 2019, added:

“I found the eagerness to get involved from the students really inspiring. I wanted to be [an ambassador] because of how special my time with the National Youth Theatre Wales was. I wanted to enlighten the next generation of young creatives about how they could get involved and have an unforgettable experience, just like I did.”

One stop on the Roadshow, Afon Taf, Troed y Rhiw, illustrates the stakes. Drama teacher Miss Jones shared:

“The experience [of NYAW’s visit] was invaluable for our students, many of whom come from a generally deprived area where opportunities in the arts are limited. As the sole Drama teacher since qualifying, I have been working to build the drama department from the ground up, striving to provide creative opportunities in a time when Arts Education is increasingly underfunded and under resourced. Seeing the students engage so enthusiastically with the workshop and opportunities in front of them reaffirmed just how vital the arts are in inspiring confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

Participating in the performing arts offers young people proven benefits—boosting confidence, communication, academic performance, emotional well-being, and employability. Yet, these pathways are increasingly under threat.

Earlier this year, National Youth Arts Wales Chief Executive, Evan Dawson, issued a strong call to action in response to more proposed cuts to arts funding in Wales:

“We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let’s champion a renaissance in Welsh arts—not just for culture’s sake, but for the holistic development of our society.” Read the statement here.

Applications are now open for National Youth Theatre Wales 2025 auditions, closing Thursday 27th March. Selected members will benefit from three intensive residential training programmes, partnerships with leading companies like Theatr Clwyd and Wales Millennium Centre, and the chance to shape NYAW’s 2026 Anniversary production—all while working bilingually and building friendships for life. Book your audition here.  

As Wales faces difficult decisions about the future of arts funding, National Youth Arts Wales commitment to empowering young people in the arts sends a clear message: our young people’s creative voices deserve not only to be heard—but championed.

If you would like to find out how donations could help provide young people with opportunities and access to the arts, click here.

Empowering the Next Generation of Welsh Singers

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) Côr Skills programme is designed to help young singers across Wales develop the confidence and expertise to take on a wide range of vocal and choral opportunities. From the National Youth Choir of Wales to county ensembles and beyond, the programme provides a stepping stone for passionate singers, regardless of prior formal training or experience.  

NYAW staff Mason Edwards and Bruna Garcia at Côr Skills 2025

This half-term, Côr Skills continued its way around Wales, with a four-day residential course designed to inspire and develop young singers aged 14–18.  Held in Lampeter from February 24–27, the residency brought together a team of expert vocal leaders and special guest mentors to nurture participants' musical talents. 

Throughout the residency, aspiring young singers honed their vocal technique, musical theory, and audition skills through a series of tailored workshops. The course also placed a strong emphasis on community and social connection, with activities such as a silent disco and other fun events designed to help participants build friendships and confidence. 

NYAW partnered with National Music Plan in Powys to deliver taster workshops ahead of the residency, strengthening its presence in Mid Wales and encouraging more young people to engage with choral music. 

Parents were full of praise for the impact of Côr Skills: 

“[My daughter] had an amazing time and learnt a lot at her time there. After learning so much [my daughter] was wondering if there is anything similar you will be running this year.”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  

“We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for giving [my son] the most incredible week at Côr Skills. The performance this afternoon was beautiful and quite breath-taking. We couldn’t believe what you had all achieved in just a few days – amazing!”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  


“Our Côr Skills 2025 residency was huge success! I’m so proud of all the young people who joined us and grateful to our amazing partners and funders who helped to make this happen!” 
- Participation and Learning Officer, Bruna Garcia 

NYAW extends its heartfelt thanks to supporters including ABRSM and The Backstage Trust, whose generous contributions made Côr Skills 2025 possible. 

Watch highlights from Côr Skills 2025 here 
 
Find out more information about Côr Skills here 
 

Supporting Young Strings Players Throughout Wales

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) programme “Strings Attached” has continued its roll-out around Wales. During February, we welcomed over 50 young string players at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, for an intensive, ambitious day of musical learning.

The strategic initiative for young musicians is aimed at those at Grade 5 and above and was run in collaboration with Powys Music Service. Strings Attached offers talented young musicians a friendly development platform to enhance their skills and musical experience, whilst making new friends.  

Throughout the workshop, held on Saturday 15th February 2025, participants worked closely with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) team, focusing on both string repertoire and playing techniques while honing their skills. They were supported by tutors from local music services and a group of Peer Mentors—young musicians from NYOW. 

The workshop also included a valuable session about the audition process for National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales; tutors who serve on audition panels; and Peer Mentors, who have firsthand experience of the auditions. 

The day finished with a showcase performance where the young musicians played the repertoire they had worked on, from Mozart to Morfydd Owen. The high standard of the performances reflected the dedication and hard work of the participants throughout the event.
 

Matthew Jones said: “This has been our second year of running Strings Attached and it was fantastic to see the young talent coming up through the mid-Wales and beyond. We hope some of the musicians who participated have been inspired to continue striving and audition for our National Youth ensembles in the coming years.” 

“This truly was a fantastic opportunity.  Thank you again for what you do for our children and the arts in Wales.”  
- Parent of Strings Attached participant 

“Many thanks for putting this on and I hope there are other regular events of this nature for young string players in
S. Wales.”  - Parent of Strings Attached participant 

NYAW extends its gratitude to the Colwinston Charitable Trust, A&B Cymru, ABRSM, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, as well as its core funders Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service, whose support has made Strings Attached 2025 possible. 

Strings Attached 2025 participants from across Wales at University of Wales Trinity Saint David