Music

Heart of Los Angeles offers a variety of music programs for children, youth, and adults.

With the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Eisner Foundation, The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, and other partners, Heart of Los Angeles offers a variety of music programs for children, youth, and adults. For over ten years, Heart of LA has offered the Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA), Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program, as well as Heart of Los Angeles Music Studios (HMS). In 2021, we launched The Eisner Intergenerational Music Program, uniting musicians of all ages and backgrounds through choir, big band, and orchestra. In 2024, we inaugurated the LACC@HOLA partnership, offering choir rehearsals and performances for elementary school-age students from Heart of LA and our local community.

Youth Programs

Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) at HOLA

In partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Heart of Los Angeles hosts three youth orchestras and numerous chamber ensembles, serving as a second site for Gustavo Dudamel’s signature Youth Orchestra program. Group lessons are offered for all orchestral instruments, along with music theory and choir.

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Heart of LA Music Studios (HMS)

Heart of Los Angeles’ contemporary music program houses rock and jazz bands, production and recording classes, and group instruction for piano, bass, guitar, drums, saxophone, and brass.

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LACC@HOLA

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) offers its world-class choral music education program to Heart of Los Angeles kids at Lafayette Park. Youth ages 8-11 can join Preparatory Choir and Apprentice Choir as well as take voice lessons.

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How to Apply

Please note: while we will do our best to match students with the instrument of their preference, we may need to make adjustments based on availability.

Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA@HOLA)

Age Range: Ages 7-18

New students must be in or entering grades 2 through 12.

Program Dates: Full school year, beginning in fall (August). Summer programming is also available for enrolled students, but not required.

Registration Timeline: New student applications should be completed in spring, for the following school year.

Families will be notified of their status by mid-July, with classes beginning in late August.
Students may express interest throughout the year, and will be evaluated based on experience and availability of space.

Requirements:

Complete an online application
Attend an informational session
Attend an “Instrument Petting Zoo” event – students can play and try different musical instruments and share their preferences
Students with experience playing the following instruments may audition for ensemble placement:
- Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
- Winds: oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon
- Brass: trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium
- Percussion: all orchestral percussion

Heart of LA Music Studios (HMS)

Music Studios

Age Range: Ages 7-18

New students must be in or entering grades 2 through 12.

Program Dates: Full school year, beginning in Fall (August). Summer programming is also available for enrolled students, but not required.

Registration Timeline: New student applications should be completed in spring, for the following school year.

Families will be notified of their status by mid-July, with classes beginning in late August.
Students may express interest throughout the year, and will be evaluated based on experience and availability of space.

Requirements:

Complete an online application.
Attend an informational session.
Attend an “Instrument Petting Zoo” event where students can play and try different musical instruments and share their preferences.

Music Production Program

Program includes classes in Recording, Digital Composition, and Audio Production. Classes meet twice a week.

Age Range: Ages 12-18

New students must be in or entering grades 6-12 (middle school and high school)

Program Dates: Full school year, beginning in fall (August). Summer programming is also available for enrolled students, but not required.

Registration Timeline: New student applications should be completed in spring, for the following school year.

Families will be notified of their status by mid-July, with classes beginning in late August.
Students may express interest throughout the year, and will be evaluated based on experience and availability of space.

Requirements:

Complete an online application.
Attend an informational session.
New students are required to audition and should be able to play their instruments proficiently.
New students will be asked to express their interest in learning music production in writing, or interview.

LACC@HOLA

To learn more and sign up to audition, please visit lachildrenschorus.org/hola-auditions

Youth & Adult Programs

The Heart of Los Angeles Eisner Intergenerational Music Program

The Intergenerational Music Program, made possible by our partnership with The Eisner Foundation, brings together singers, big band, and orchestral musicians of all ages across intermediate and advanced skill levels in a multicultural environment that is representative of our great city. Performers benefit from interactions with each other while progressing toward a common goal of artistic excellence across a diverse musical repertoire. Our intergenerational music performances are designed to share the joy of music-making with performers and audience members through free community concerts at landmark venues.

Choir

The Eisner Intergenerational Choir is a unique choral ensemble. Fostering community and camaraderie through the joy of choral singing, the choir provides an environment that embraces inclusivity and friendship across generations.

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Orchestra

The Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra unites diverse, multigenerational musicians to make music together and expand their musical repertoire.

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Big Band

The Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra unites diverse, multigenerational musicians to make music together and expand their musical repertoire.

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How to Apply

Choir

Age Range: Ages 13 – 80+

Program Dates: Mid-August through Mid-June

Registration Timeline: Ongoing based on space availability.

Requirements: Availability during scheduled rehearsal times and performances.

Orchestra

Age Range: Ages 13 – 80+

Program Dates: Mid-August through Mid-June

Registration Timeline: Ongoing. Spaces available based on instrument.

Requirements:

Availability during scheduled rehearsal times.
Mid to advanced level of instrumental proficiency.
Ability to read sheet music.

Big Band

Age Range: Ages 13 – 80+

Program Dates: Mid-August through Mid-June

Registration Timeline: While all sections are currently full, please submit a wait list application and we will contact you.

Requirements:

Availability during scheduled rehearsal times.
Ability to sight-read music.
Musicians demonstrating mid to advanced level of proficiency playing the following instruments may audition for ensemble placements:
- Alto, Tenor, or Baritone Saxophone
- Trombone or Bass Trombone
- Trumpet
- Piano
- Drum set or auxiliary percussion
- Guitar
- Double bass or electric bass