Origins is Contemporary Youth Orchestra’s chamber music and masterclass series, designed to provide young musicians with a deeper and more involved understanding of music and their instruments. Students who are accepted into Origins are assigned into smaller ensembles. Each ensemble has its own coach, who works closely with the students all year to help them improve both musically and technically.

Origins ensembles not only perform traditional concerts, but they also regularly perform in various local community events. Their instruction not only helps them become more proficient musicians, but also prepares them for a career as a working musician and teaches them about professionalism in a gig economy.

In addition to our in-house instructors, the Origins program brings in some of the nation’s most innovative and sought-after clinicians. Past featured guests have included members of the Cleveland Orchestra, representatives from D’Addario, award-winning chamber musicians arx duo, and collegiate financial aid experts. Origins introduces young talent to professionals in the industry who can offer knowledge, new skills, and professional perspective on their career options and paths.