What’s the difference between National and State Academies?

See our handy-dandy comparison table below! But in summary:

• National Academy is residential from Mon-Sat. It includes extra presentations, chamber music and bigger repertoire. The course rotates between states.

• State Academies are non-residential from 9am-3:30pm Tue-Fri and 12-4:30pm Sat. They occur in different states from that year’s National Academy.

What is Historically Informed Performance (HIP)? Why is YMS different?

YMS is Australia’s only national youth orchestra experience for Historically Informed Performance (or HIP). HIP is an approach to playing music of the past informed by the sounds, materials, circumstances and values of that time, place and culture.

This means HIP can apply to any music composed before today!

YMS (and the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra who lead it) specialise in music from 1750 to around 1940. Repertoire will be from this period, and we teach how to research the techniques, sounds and instruments of that time from early recordings, treatises, art and other sources.

At YMS, you’ll learn from expert ARCO faculty about how to use these HIP techniques and knowledge to infuse music-making with fresh creativity, expression and collaboration.

Knowing HIP style is now an essential part of every professional musician’s toolbox – this is your chance to learn from the experts.

Do I have to have or play a historic instrument? What if I don’t have one?

To repeat, YMS is Australia’s only national youth orchestra experience for Historically Informed Performance. But you don’t have to have or play a historic or “period” instrument! You will play on your own modern instrument, with a few exceptions:

• String players are highly encouraged and helped to use at least one gut string, if not more. They will get the chance to try historic bows during YMS.

• Wind players use their own instrument but have the chance to try historic instruments during YMS.

• Brass players are encouraged and assisted to bring natural instruments if possible. But it’s not mandatory!

• We usually supply historic timpani during YMS.

I want to come to a State Academy, but I’m from a different city/state. What are my accommodation options?

Our State Academies are non-residential – accommodation is not included in the cost. You have a few options:

• Some participants stay in a hotel or hostel.

• Others stay with family or friends.

• If you need help finding a place to stay, we can ask the local YMS community to try and find you a billet! Please contact us at operations@arco.org.au

I need financial assistance for my Academy fee and/or travel costs.

No problem – we have scholarships available for those with demonstrated need. Please apply here for 2025.

YMS COMPARISON CHART

You can apply and come to both National and State Academies!
But if you have to choose, here’s a comparison.