Wide shot of an orchestra from behind the conductor.

Find Your Ensemble

Discover the orchestra or ensemble that’s the perfect fit for your passion and skill level.

Join a Thriving Musical Community

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) welcomes students aged 8 to 28 from the Kawartha and Greater Peterborough areas. We offer a structured, progressive suite of ensembles designed to help young musicians advance their skills in a safe, inclusive environment.

To enhance their musical journey, we recommend that all KYO members pursue private lessons. Our team is ready to assist you with information on private instruction opportunities.

Young musicians playing various instruments in an orchestra.

Our Orchestras

Our three core orchestras provide a clear path for students to grow as musicians, from their first notes to advanced symphonies. Find your place and start your journey today.

A group of young children enthusiastically playing violins.

Junior KYO (JKYO)

Beginner Level

For strings and flutes with basic instrument knowledge and experience.

Teenage musicians playing a variety of instruments in an orchestra.

Intermediate KYO (IKYO)

Typically 2+ years of ensemble experience

For strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

A focused shot of a youth symphony orchestra during a performance.

Senior KYO (SKYO)

Typically 4+ years of ensemble experience

For advanced strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Our Philosophy

We believe in a holistic approach to music education that balances artistic achievement with a supportive and inspiring environment.

A Diverse Musical Approach

Our repertoire is anchored in the classical tradition but embraces a broad range of styles, including pop arrangements, film music, and works by Canadian and emerging composers.

Performance-Based Learning

Each orchestra performs in at least three public concerts per year. Public performance is key to building confidence, sharing progress, and connecting with our community.

Creative & Supplementary Programs

Broaden your musical horizons with our specialized ensembles and creative courses, available for all ages with no prior experience necessary for many.

Supplementary Ensembles

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Folk Ensemble

Explore Celtic and global folk traditions. Open to strings, flute, harp, guitar, percussion, voice, and more.

Jazz Combo

Dive into swing, blues, and Latin music. Focus on improvisation and accompaniment in a small group setting.

A string quartet playing intently in a classical music hall.

Chamber Music

Receive small ensemble coaching from professional musicians. For confident classical players, including piano and guitar.

Creative Courses

Digital Music Production

Learn to record, edit, and produce music in any genre using modern digital audio workstations (DAWs).

Music Theory

Go beyond the basics with courses on harmony, form, analysis, and musical styles from different eras.

Composition

Write your own original music for soloists and chamber groups with guidance on score preparation and coaching.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Our two-tiered subsidy system, featuring a universal subsidy and additional income-based bursaries, ensures no student is turned away due to financial need.

Financial Support

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Tuition Assistance

We offer financial aid to help make our programs accessible to all families through tuition bursaries & multiple child discounts.

A collection of various orchestral instruments like violins, cellos, and flutes.

Instrument Loans

The KYO has a limited number of instruments available for loan to registered musicians for the entire season, free of charge.

Scholarship Opportunities

Bell Bassoons Ltd. Scholarship

Encourages and supports bassoonists in the KYO. The award is open to youth musicians from any of the KYO ensembles, and is provided to help support musician enrichment.

Helen Ball Leadership Award

Recognizes a KYO youth musician who demonstrates a high level of commitment, leadership, and support for music and the arts in the wider community.

Equity & Community Partnerships

The KYO strives to be an inclusive, anti-discriminatory space that reflects the diversity of our broader community. We foster safe, positive environments for all students, including marginalized and underrepresented youth.

New Canadians Centre Partnership
Offering improved access to KYO programs for newcomer youth and families.
School Outreach
Providing instrumental coaching, masterclasses, and access to our instrument lending library for local schools.

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