TYO Pathways Programs

Music is for Everyone!

TYO’s Musical Pathways Programs offer free foundational musical training on an orchestral instrument in a small group setting. These programs are especially for young people who love music but whose families can’t manage the cost of private music lessons.
These programs get keen kids started on their classical music journey and connect them to ongoing opportunities like TYO orchestral instrumental scholarships and ensembles.

Why this matters

Many years of research tell us that musical involvement provides multiple benefits to young people, including skills and leadership development, improved educational outcomes, social connectedness, wellbeing and belonging. We see these benefits in action every week at TYO.
But many people in low socioeconomic-status Tasmanian households have decreasing opportunities for participating in music at school; and have limited exposure to classical music training and performance opportunities.
TYO aims to make classical music training accessible and inclusive for young Tasmanians who have a particular desire to play an orchestral instrument, irrespective of background and location. If we want the joy of music in our communities for years to come, we need to invest in young musicians now.

What do TYO Pathways Programs look like?

TYO Pathways Programs are designed to offer free foundational musical training in a small group setting with high support – six to eight late primary age students per group supported by one teacher, plus a TYO staffer acting as both administrative support and an in-session tutor.
These programs are especially for young people who love music but whose families can’t manage the cost of private music lessons.
The Pathways students of 2023 are the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra musicians of 2026 and beyond. The programs are designed to maximise ongoing options for the students by offering foundational skills training which can lead towards training in the key ‘gap’ instruments – bassoon, oboe, viola and double bass – while also giving students with specific interest in orchestral strings a tuition option. (Strings are the most under-represented instruments in DECYP settings.)
Clear progression options will be mapped out and available for those children who show commitment and enthusiasm and who wish to continue with musical education.

Genuinely Accessible

To be genuinely accessible, these programs must be fully inclusive, with no cost outlay for the families. Children selected for the program will receive the following.

Use of a TYO library instrument and all instrument consumables at no cost for the duration of their time in TYO Pathways.
All music and online resources to support involvement in the program.
Tuition in a geographically accessible group setting for a minimum of two initial terms.
Travel support if required to attend the group lessons.

TYO Pathways Programs get keen kids started on their classical music journey and connect them to ongoing opportunities like TYO orchestral instrumental scholarships and ensemble programs.

Because music is for everyone.