The Future of Youth Orchestra (TFOYO.EU)

Addressing Physiological and Psychological Needs in Young Orchestral Musicians

A groundbreaking research project led by De Unges Orkesterforbund together with Landesjugendorchester Hamburg and ÖGfMM. Partially supported by the EU, this initiative has advanced the physical and psychological well-being of over 130 young musicians.

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Project Documentary

The TFOYO project concluded with a transformative 10-day summer camp in Bodø, Norway, culminating in an extraordinary concert at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. The initiative integrated artistic excellence with innovative research, focusing on young musicians‘ well-being. A short 2-minute clip provides an impression of the project’s highlights.Watch Documentary

Listen to the different sounds and intensities

During a rehearsal, the sound was recorded at 16 different positions within the orchestra. These recordings allow you to experience the unique timbre and varying sound intensity levels at each location. Explore the Orchestral Soundscape to hear these differences for yourself. You can start and stop the music and click on specific sections to experience the sound from various perspectives within the orchestra. Each position offers a unique auditory experience, showcasing how sound intensity and timbre vary across different locations in the ensemble. Gain invaluable insights into the acoustic dynamics of an orchestra through this interactive tool.Explore Orchestral Soundscape

Daily Warm-Up: „Get in the Zone“

🎥 Watch our warm-up routine: This 4-minute video is essential for preparing your body and mind for optimal performance before every tutti rehearsal. Don’t just watch—get up, follow along, and experience the benefits firsthand! Let’s get in the zone together!

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Hearing Protection Facts PDF

Hearing protection is critical for all musicians. Explore the facts: instruments like trumpets, violins, and percussion can produce sound levels exceeding 100 dB, posing a significant risk to hearing. Learn how to protect your ears with effective strategies and understand the devastating consequences of irreversible inner ear damage caused by the loss of hair cells—there’s no cure once they’re gone.Hearing protection is essential for every musician. We provide comprehensive educational resources to ensure young musicians understand the critical importance of safeguarding their hearing for a sustainable and successful musical journey.Download Factsheet

Test Your Hearing

How well do you hear high frequencies? Explore two interactive videos that raise awareness about hearing health—essential for musicians. These hearing simulations can help you understand your current hearing abilities and how hearing typically changes with age.

Can you still hear high frequencies? Take this brief test and check your hearing range from 4,000 Hz up to 21,000 Hz.
This is how hearing loss sounds as you age. Experience a simulation of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) using harpsichord tones rich in overtones.

▶️ Hearing Frequency Test ▶️ Hearing Loss Simulation

Musicians Hearing Audiograms

During the project, over 70 musicians underwent professional audiograms to assess their hearing health. While most demonstrated good hearing, some participants revealed early signs of high-frequency hearing loss, potentially linked to exposure to loud music. These findings align with global trends among 20-30-year-olds but emphasize the need for increased awareness and proactive hearing protection strategies among musicians.The audiograms provide valuable insights into the importance of preserving hearing health and underscore the irreversible damage that loud music can cause. Explore the comparative data between project participants and global statistics, shedding light on the critical role of education and protection in safeguarding auditory health.View Audiogram Results

Virtual Reality Training

The Virtual Reality (VR) Training tools developed at the Motion-Emotion-Lab provide musicians with a unique opportunity to practice performing in iconic concert venues. These tools simulate high-pressure environments, such as the Elbphilharmonie, allowing musicians to refine their stage presence, adjust to acoustics, and build confidence.This training uses photorealistic visuals and augmented acoustics to replicate real-world concert halls. Through motion tracking and real-time feedback, musicians can gain insights into their performance dynamics and adapt to various scenarios effectively. The VR tools are part of a broader effort to integrate technology and artistry, enhancing resilience and improving overall performance quality. Beyond individual practice, VR Training supports pedagogical studies by offering researchers a platform to investigate how environmental factors influence performance. From managing stage fright to fine-tuning interpretative skills, this cutting-edge system is transforming how musicians prepare for their careers.Learn About VR Tools

Virtual Reality Exposure Training (VRET)

Virtual Reality Exposure Training (VRET) provides musicians with an immersive way to prepare for high-stress performances by simulating real-life scenarios. Using any VR headset, performers can explore venues like the Elbphilharmonie with photorealistic visuals and augmented acoustics, offering a lifelike and adaptive environment for practice.To access the immersive tour, visit vret.at using a VR headset. Focus on hotspots for 3 seconds to navigate between rooms, or look at the floor logo to return to the previous position. The tour can also be explored via a regular browser with mouse clicks, making it accessible for non-VR users as well.This innovative training is a step forward in combining technology and artistry, paving the way for enhanced musical education and stress management.Start VR Tour

Stress Monitoring with Smartwatches

Fifteen musicians wore high-tech smartwatches to monitor individual stress levels during rehearsals and performances. These devices recorded pulse frequency, electrodermal activity (EDA)—which increases with nervousness due to sweaty fingers—and skin temperature, which often decreases with stress, resulting in cold hands. This data provided unique insights into the physiological responses of musicians during high-pressure situations.

The video visualizes these metrics in real-time, synchronizing the physiological data with the musical score. As the evening unfolds, you can observe how stress levels rise and fall during different moments of the performance, reflecting the intensity of technically demanding passages or emotional peaks in the music.

This monitoring approach not only helps young musicians become more aware of their stress triggers but also highlights the importance of stress management techniques. By understanding their physiological responses, musicians can develop tailored strategies to remain focused, calm, and resilient under pressure, enhancing both their performance and well-being. This innovative research underscores the critical connection between physiology and performance, offering valuable lessons for musicians and educators alike.

Watch Stress Monitoring Overview Read about Stress and Challenges

Educational Fun Night

During the rehearsal week, participants engaged in a Fun Night featuring short lectures on hearing, stress, and health. The night ended with interactive quizzes that reinforced the key learnings.

Performance Psychology Quiz

Ergo-Music Collection

A collection of ergonomical gadgets, physiological tools and instruments to support Music Performance.

Visit Ergo-Music Collection Website Download PDF

360° Rehearsal Experience

Step into the rehearsal setup in Bodø through an immersive 360° Virtual Tour. This detailed experience captures the unique atmosphere of the rehearsals, including acoustic dynamics and spatial sound samples recorded at multiple positions.The tour, created using 3D Vista technology, is designed to provide a seamless experience on any device. On a traditional screen, users can navigate by clicking on hotspots, while VR headset users can immerse themselves fully by focusing on specific areas for 3 seconds to jump between rooms. The floor logo acts as a navigation tool, allowing you to return to your previous position with ease. This interactive tool is perfect for musicians, educators, and enthusiasts, offering a new perspective on orchestral rehearsals and spatial soundscapes. Discover the nuances of rehearsal dynamics and gain deeper insights into how sound and space shape the experience of performers.Explore the Virtual Tour

360° Rehearsal Videos

Experience the energy and collaboration of the young musicians during their first rehearsal in Bodø. This is not just a video—it’s a 360° YouTube Video with 8K resolution and 3D options, offering an unparalleled immersive experience. When viewed in a VR headset, you can fully explore the rehearsal from the perspective of the percussion section, turning your view to follow the action across the orchestra.For another unique perspective, watch a second video recorded from a position near the harps and horns. This 360° video lets you immerse yourself in the sounds and visuals of the rehearsal, gaining a sense of the orchestra’s dynamics from a completely different vantage point.

Watch Percussion View Video Watch Harps & Horns View Video

Research Plan Poster

Learn more about the comprehensive research and methodologies that shaped the TFOYO project. Discover insights on how physiological and psychological needs of young musicians were addressed.

View Poster Read Abstract

Health Surveys

Survey Categories:

Musicians’ Health – Physical and psychological well-being
Performance Anxiety – Understanding and managing stress
Musical Stress Processing – Insights into experiences and behaviors
Hearing Health – Awareness and protection strategies

For results see the Health Data Report

Ensemble Health Report

Comprehensive health data collected during rehearsals and performances provide exciting insights into the physical and mental well-being of young musicians. The report reveals that 98% of young musicians regularly experience neck pain, 77% continue playing despite discomfort, and many feel that their concerns are not taken seriously. Discover how unhealthy practice habits, asymmetrical playing postures, and excessive performance pressure contribute to these issues – and learn about interventions such as improved warm-up routines, mental training, and strategic breaks that are already making a difference. Explore fascinating statistics and practical recommendations to help you improve your health and performance over the long term. Explore Health Data PDF

tfoyo.eu Project Partners

🇦🇹 AUSTRIA: ÖGfMM – Austrian Society for Musicians’ Medicine
Website (E) | Website (D) |

Contact: Dr. Matthias Bertsch | bertsch@mdw.ac.at🇳🇴 NORWAY: De Unges Orkesterforbund
Website |

Contact: Birgit Djupedal | birgit@unof.no🇩🇪 GERMANY: Landesjugendorchester Hamburg
Website |

Contact: Caroline Steinhagen | steinhagen@lmr-hh.de

Publications

	Bertsch, M., Reuter, C., Leitz, T. & Roos, M. (2025). Rehearsals, Risks and Resilience: Stress, Acoustics, and Youth Orchestra Performance. In: Fortschritte der Akustik – Proceedings of the DAS\|DAGA 2025 Copenhagen,. Copenhagen: Deutsche Ges. f. Akustik (DEGA), 2025. (p. 175). Download PDF
	Bertsch, M. & Reuter, C. (2024). Ears Matter: Protect Them – Hearing Facts Sheet. The Future of Youth Orchestra 2024 Project, Vienna. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32809.40802 Download Factsheet
	Bertsch, M., Schmidt, M. & Peschka, M. (2024). Stress Monitoring with the EmbracePlus Smartwatch during Real-Life and Virtual Reality Exposure Training. In: Body, Mind & Music Symposium Proceedings, ÖGfMM Newsletter 8, Wien: ÖGfMM. Download PDF
	Peschka, M., Bertsch, M., Smale, M., Roos, M., Königseder, L., Reuter, C., Djupedal, B., Steinhagen, C., et al. (2024). Fine-Tuning the Future: Addressing Physiological and Psychological Needs in Young Orchestral Musicians. In: Body, Mind & Music Symposium Proceedings, ÖGfMM Newsletter 8, Wien: ÖGfMM. Download PDF
	Bertsch, M. & Peschka, M. (2023). Music Performance Science with Virtual Reality: Artistic, Acoustic and Psychological Aspects and Troubles. In: Fortschritte der Akustik – DAGA 2023, Hamburg. Berlin: DEGA. Download PDF

Pictures from the Project

Relive the dynamic moments from Bodø and Hamburg with full energy and vibrant colors. These images capture the spirit of the project—the creativity, dedication, and collaboration of the participants and organizers.Discover the stunning collection by Sveinung Hoel Borà, featuring dynamic snapshots of the days filled with music, teamwork, and artistic excellence. Immerse yourself in the visual story of the project’s unforgettable experiences.View Photo Collection

ÖGfMM Team

Prof. Dr. Matthias Bertsch: Motion-Emotion-Lab, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Prof. Dr. Christoph Reuter: Systematic Musicology, University of Vienna
Marik Roos, MA: Systematic Musicology, University of Vienna
Dr. Mona Smale, MA: Researcher and Coach for BodyFit and Musician Health Interventions
Leonhard Königseder, MA: Mental Training and Musician Well-being
Dr. med. Michael Peschka: Medical Doctor (Occupational physician and vascular surgeon)
Tristan Leitz: Researcher

UNOF Team

Birgit Djupedal: Project Lead
Mathias Gran
Elise Minde Fagerli
Terje Winther
Torodd Wigum (Conductor)
Sveinung Hoel Borà: Photographer and Videographer
Anna Rødevand: Social Media
Eva Dam-Hein: Video Editing

LJO Hamburg Team

Caroline Steinhagen: Project Lead
Stefanie Schrader
Johannes Braun
Johannes Witt: Conductor

The Digital Wunderkammer of the Landesmusikrats Hamburg e. V. (State Music Council Hamburg is a platform for all actors in Hamburg’s amateur music scene, serving as a knowledge repository, database, and networking tool.

Musicians

We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the talented musicians who participated in the TFOYO project. Their dedication and artistry are truly inspiring. May their futures be filled with health, creativity, and musical success!

TFOYO Orchestra

1st Violin

Louise Weitzel (Concertmaster), Ella Svarstad Lauritsen, Valerie Ettenauer, Teodor Nybøle, Sigrid Engelsen Rostad, Lina Donderer, Marta Baches Eckert, Iver Butler Wang, Eline Heistø Carlsen, Beeke Kurdelski, Melina Hübner-Konitsioti, Vera Altreuther, Ellinor Drevvatne, Katharina Heinrich, Mathilda Himmel, Torstein Knardal, Frederik Klein, Jonas Goumairi, Lennart Beck, Lucas Pütter.

2nd Violin

Fine Lampert, Cynthia Pigott, Thea Lund Øverland, Marit Bartling, Nele Erdmann, Anna Sæbø, Johanne Nordfjell, Johanna Haul, Aletta Blanke, Ivar Lee Fevang, Hedvig Olin Meling, Anna Katharina Rahmstorf, Annabella Celina Booth, Kathrin Sereße, Anna Lena Seemann, Alma Othilie Bill-Eriksen, Ana Reuschel, Helen Yang, Hannah Baumann, Jasmina Baumann, Floris Paul Frederik Poppe, Domonkos Pésci.

Viola

Eivind Skeie Dammerud, Clara Gieske, Yoshiko Krawehl, Margrethe Kollien Nygaard, Hedda Kirstine Gudbrandsen, Karline Hjellvik, Ina Aanondsen, Jonas Wuttudal, Erle Marie Tangen Vågen, Annefrid Gaertner, Leonardo Willscher, Signe Rose Nagel-Alne, Simen Rui Eriksson.

Cello

Arina Solheim, Raphaela Heuchmer, Kristian Elias Martinsen, Teresa Sturm, Jan Schurig, Gjermund Pas, Hy Chang Vo, Konrad-Aurelius Osika, Anna Alma Beliakova, Fredrik Heistø Carlsen, Peder Kjerkreit, Juna Becherer, Johanna Schulze, David Csejtey, Charlotte Leathem, Louise Engebretsen, Kha Chang Vo, Hans Ourson Liem, Sofie Chen.

Double Bass

Marlon Kröger, Idun Skei, Tord Robson, Fabian Zwemke, Finja Marzahn, Victoria Maria Kan Selvik, Signe Stensaker, Benno Friedmann, Emma Faber, Noralf Lillevold-Vinje, Jacob Franken, Ole Voß.

Flute

Anton Eilinghoff, Merle Schnee, Helene Seldal Vangen.

Oboe

Lukas Möller, Benjamin Thieroff, Vermund Førisdal, Leon Dalnoki.

Clarinet

Marlene Sanderell, Olivia Wuttke, Elia de Sandoval, Lene Marie Hofstätter, Johannes Tylden.

Bassoon

Berit Schat, Philipp Lampert, Liann Haaland, Elemine Haare.

Saxophone

Joar Henriksen, Robin Rammé.

Horn

Vincent Ohnimus, Solrun Hansen Kjestveit, Tuva Kjøbli, Jenny Karoline Fremstad Olsen, Sunniva Åsgård Pedersen, Sigurd Traaseth Skogvang.

Trumpet

Anneke Kruse, Lena Rehberg, Marie Johnsen Myhra, Torgeir Larsen Haarr, Trym Øien.

Trombone

Johann Ruwolt, Jan Schulze-Middig, Eliam Wehrstedt, Jakob Bode, Peder Møklegaard, Håkon Rasmussen, Bjørn Mikkelsen, Thorben Buschke.

Tuba

Emil Rademacher Krogsæter, Fabienne Kross.

Percussion

Hugo Crass, Franz Diekmann, Jon Mikkelsen, Nikolai Skilleås, Sofie Voors, Nils Grønbech.

Harp

Solveig Schürmann, Isabel Henn.

Piano

Ellen Schmidt.

Celesta

Benjamin Bischoff.

Participant Information

Ethical guidelines and forms for participants in Bodø and Hamburg 2024 are available for review. All project participants were thoroughly informed about the research goals, methods, and data handling through detailed briefings and a dedicated consent process. Participation was entirely voluntary, with the option to withdraw at any stage without consequences.

View Participant Information