In 2019, students of the YOLA National Festival showcased their artistry; however, this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the LA Phil has moved YOLA-based programming online. (photo courtesy of the LA Phil)

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association introduced YOLA at Home, a series of open-source courses, master classes with LA Phil musicians, project-based learning and keynote addresses from Gustavo Dudamel and Thomas Wilkins.

These online courses will be offered from July 10-31 via Zoom and YouTube Live. YOLA National at Home was developed following the cancelation of the previously scheduled YOLA National Festival and YOLA National Symposium.

YOLA National at Home is an extension of the LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program. Through its YOLA and YOLA National initiatives, the LA Phil aims to empower young people from communities that have been historically excluded intensive music training and to build a community of musicians and educators committed to social justice locally, nationally and internationally.

YOLA National includes three programmatic elements which are the YOLA National Festival, an intensive summer learning program, the YOLA National Institute, an in-depth training for young musicians pursuing a career in music, and the YOLA National Symposium, a convening of key stakeholders in El Sistema-inspired programs.

YOLA National at Home combines and refocuses these elements to offer online learning opportunities, curated broadcasts and interactive experiences for young musicians and adults. Participants will share innovative practices and hear from members of the LA Phil family, as well as leading voices in the creative youth development and El Sistema fields.

In addition to conversations on music, learning and social justice, the program will look at concepts of identity and how it impacts learning and youth development.

This year, there will be 25 live public sessions will be offered online, and organized into five series – keynotes, community voices, teaching insights, pathway explorations and young artist series.

For information, visit laphil.com/learn/yola/yola-national.