Choirs and orchestras in Oslo

Choirs and bands are among the most affordable organised activities in Oslo, and among the few where children of different ages rehearse together. Many groups lend out the instrument, so the cost of getting started is low even though the equipment looks expensive.

Most children's choirs take part-singers from age five or six, often in church premises, while wind bands and string orchestras usually start in the second or third school year, once a child can read music and carry the instrument. The first year is designed for beginners, so nobody needs prior experience.

Below you'll find the groups we know of, with district and age range. Filter by district to see what exists nearby, and check each group's own page for rehearsal times and fees, which vary a lot.

Type

Age

District

96 activities

Tøyen Orkester

Orkester

Tøyen skole, Gamle Oslo

A children's orchestra rehearsing at Tøyen skole, rooted in the school's music programme in cooperation with Oslo culture school. Free tuition on an orchestral instrument and ensemble playing from beginners to the main orchestra.

ages 7-16

Disen Strings

Orkester

Disen skole, Nordre Aker

A children's string orchestra rehearsing at Disen skole, grouped by age into beginners, aspirants and the main orchestra. Tuition on violin, viola and cello and playing together in an orchestra.

ages 7-16

Haugerud Strykeorkester

Orkester

Haugerud skole, Alna

A children's string orchestra rehearsing at Haugerud skole, a member of the Norwegian youth orchestra federation (UNOF). Tuition on violin, viola and cello and playing together in an orchestra.

ages 7-16

Bjørndal Stryk

Orkester

Bjørndal skole, Søndre Nordstrand

A children's string orchestra rehearsing at Bjørndal skole, a member of the Norwegian youth orchestra federation (UNOF). Tuition on violin, viola and cello and playing together in an orchestra.

ages 7-16

Høybråten Skoles Strykeorkester

Orkester

Høybråten skole, Stovner

A children's string orchestra rehearsing at Høybråten skole, with members also from other schools and districts. Tuition on violin, viola and cello and playing together in an orchestra.

ages 7-16

Stovner Orkester

Orkester

Stovner skole, Stovner

A children's orchestra rehearsing at Stovner skole, a member of the Norwegian youth orchestra federation (UNOF). Tuition on an orchestral instrument and playing together in an orchestra.

ages 7-16

Bjølsen Skolekor

Kor

Bjølsen skole, Sagene

A children's choir based at Bjølsen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Fernanda Nissen skolekor

Kor

Fernanda Nissen skole, Sagene

A children's choir based at Fernanda Nissen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Nordpolen Skole Barnekor

Kor

Nordpolen skole, Sagene

A children's choir based at Nordpolen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Sagene skolekor

Kor

Sagene skole, Sagene

A children's choir based at Sagene skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Bolteløkka Jentekor

Kor

Bolteløkka skole, St. Hanshaugen

A children's choir based at Bolteløkka skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Høybråten skolekor

Kor

Høybråten skole, Stovner

A children's choir based at Høybråten skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Stovner Skolekor

Kor

Stovner skole, Stovner

A children's choir based at Stovner skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Prinsdal Skole kor

Kor

Prinsdal skole, Søndre Nordstrand

A children's choir based at Prinsdal skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Toppåsen skolekor

Kor

Toppåsen skole, Søndre Nordstrand

A children's choir based at Toppåsen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Lilleaker skolekor

Kor

Lilleaker skole, Ullern

A children's choir based at Lilleaker skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Lysejordet Skoles Barnekor

Kor

Lysejordet skole, Ullern

A children's choir based at Lysejordet skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Smestadkoret

Kor

Smestad skole, Ullern

A children's choir based at Smestad skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Bogstad Skolekor

Kor

Bogstad skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Bogstad skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Grindbakken skolekor

Kor

Grindbakken skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Grindbakken skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Huseby skolekor

Kor

Huseby skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Huseby skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Slemdal skolekor

Kor

Slemdal skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Slemdal skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Vinderenkoret

Kor

Vinderen skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Vinderen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Voksen Skoles kor

Kor

Voksen skole, Vestre Aker

A children's choir based at Voksen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Abildsø Skoles Kor

Kor

Abildsø skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Abildsø skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Bøler Skolekor

Kor

Bøler skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Bøler skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Godlia/Trasop skolekor

Kor

Godlia skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Godlia skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Høyenhall Skoles Elevkor

Kor

Høyenhall skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Høyenhall skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Manglerud Skoles Kor

Kor

Manglerud skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Manglerud skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Oppsal barne- og ungdomskor

Kor

Oppsal skole, Østensjø

A children's choir based at Oppsal skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-16

Jeriko Skolekor

Kor

Jeriko skole, Alna

A children's choir based at Jeriko skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Skjønnhaug og Lutvann barnekor

Kor

Skjønnhaug skole, Alna

A children's choir based at Skjønnhaug skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Linderudkoret

Kor

Linderud skole, Bjerke

A children's choir based at Linderud skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Lakkegata skolekor

Kor

Lakkegata skole, Gamle Oslo

A children's choir based at Lakkegata skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Rødtvet Skoles Sangkor

Kor

Rødtvet skole, Grorud

A children's choir based at Rødtvet skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Teglverket Skolekor

Kor

Teglverket skole, Grünerløkka

A children's choir based at Teglverket skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Kjelsås Skoles Sangkor

Kor

Kjelsås skole, Nordre Aker

A children's choir based at Kjelsås skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Tåsen skolekor

Kor

Tåsen skole, Nordre Aker

A children's choir based at Tåsen skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Berg skolekor

Kor

Berg skole, Nordre Aker

A children's choir based at Berg skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Bekkelaget Skolekor

Kor

Bekkelaget skole, Nordstrand

A children's choir based at Bekkelaget skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Munkerud Skoles Kor

Kor

Munkerud skole, Nordstrand

A children's choir based at Munkerud skole, organised through Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing, voice training and the joy of choir for local children.

ages 6-13

Det Norske Jentekor

Kor

Ruseløkka skole, Frogner

A choir school for girls who love to sing, from age 7 and up, with around 120 members across four choirs by age: the recruitment group (grades 2-3), the aspirant choir (grades 4-6), the main choir (grades 7-10) and the studio choir for the oldest. Admission is by audition, and the singers get thorough training with weekly rehearsals, individual lessons, concerts, recordings and tours at home and abroad. Rehearsals are at Ruseløkka school; the office is at Sentralen.

ages 7-18

Bislett Guttekor

Kor

Fagerborg kirke, St. Hanshaugen

A boys' choir rehearsing in Fagerborg church every Thursday, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing and the joy of choir for boys aged roughly six to fourteen.

ages 6-14

Majorstua barne- og ungdomskor

Kor

Fagerborg skole, St. Hanshaugen

A children's and youth choir rehearsing in the main hall at Fagerborg lower secondary school on Wednesdays from 5pm, where the children's and youth choirs start together. The children's choir takes members from year 3 and the youth choir from year 7, so singers can stay through their whole schooling. The choir is a member of Ung i Kor Oslo, has its own conductor and welcomes new singers of any level - you can join a rehearsal first to see whether it suits you.

ages 8-18

Nordstrand barne- og ungdomskor

Kor

Nordstrand kirke, Nordstrand

A children's and youth choir rehearsing in Nordstrand church, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Singing and voice development for children and youth from first grade.

ages 6-18

St. Hallvard-guttene

Kor

Grønland kirke, Gamle Oslo

Oslo's own boys' choir rehearsing in Grønland church, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. A broad repertoire and the joy of choir for boys, admitting from around age eight.

ages 8-18

Tøyen Barne- og ungdomskor

Kor

K1, Kolstadgata 1, Gamle Oslo

A children's and youth choir rehearsing at K1 in Tøyen, open to all local children. Singing and the joy of choir regardless of background or experience.

ages 6-15

Grefsenkoret

Kor

Grefsen skole, Nordre Aker

A children's choir rehearsing at Grefsen skole during after school hours, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. A long tradition and singing for local children.

ages 6-13

Ludo barnekor (Grefsen menighet)

Kor

Grefsen kirke, Nordre Aker

A children's choir for the very youngest, from three to eight years old, rehearsing in Grefsen church every other Monday in even-numbered weeks. Short half-hour sessions are adapted to small children who don't sit still for long, and the barrier is low - all you need is a wish to sing. One of few choirs in the city that welcomes three-year-olds.

ages 3-8

Steinerskolens jentekor

Kor

Rudolf Steinerskolen, Vestre Aker

A girls' choir with singers from Rudolf Steiner school at Hovseter, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Groups ranging from beginners to the youth choir.

ages 8-18

Peblingene

Kor

Oslo katedralskole, St. Hanshaugen

A chamber choir for pupils at Oslo Cathedral School, one of the school's oldest societies. Choral singing and concerts in the school hall and city churches.

ages 16-18

Holmliakorene

Kor

Hallagerbakken skole, Søndre Nordstrand

A children's and youth choir rehearsing at Hallagerbakken skole during after school hours, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Groups from beginners to youth.

ages 6-18

Lambertseterskolenes kor

Kor

Lambertseter skole, Nordstrand

A children's and youth choir rehearsing at Lambertseter skole, open to children from nearby schools from first grade. A member of Ung i Kor Oslo.

ages 6-18

Margaretakyrkans barnkör

Kor

Margaretakyrkan, St. Hanshaugen

A children's choir at the Swedish Margaret Church at Hammersborg, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Weekly rehearsals with singing in Swedish and Norwegian for children.

ages 5-13

Sølvguttene

Kor

Paulus kirke, Grünerløkka

A well known boys' choir rehearsing in Paulus church at Grünerløkka, a member of Ung i Kor Oslo. Beginner and main choirs admitting boys from first grade.

ages 7-15

Voksen skoles musikkorps

Korps

Voksen og Bogstad skole, Vestre Aker

The school band for Voksen and Bogstad schools, and one of the very best in the country - it has won the first division of the Norwegian school band championship. Children start as aspirants, usually in second or third grade, and get an instrument on loan plus a dedicated instructor for it. A school band is one of few activities where children play in an ensemble from the first year, and where the 17 May parade is the highlight.

ages 7-18

Ljan skoles musikkorps

Korps

Ljan skole, Nordstrand

The school band at Ljan in the south of the city, with its own aspirant band for the youngest. New members usually start in second or third grade, borrow an instrument from the band and get weekly instrument tuition in addition to ensemble playing. The upper age limit in a school band is the school year you turn 19, so many stay for seven or eight years.

ages 7-18

Bekkelaget skoles musikkorps

Korps

Bekkelaget skole, Nordstrand

The school band at Bekkelaget school, with aspirant admission for pupils in the lower grades. The band welcomes children with no prior knowledge: you borrow an instrument, and the tuition happens within the band. Alongside weekly rehearsals there are concerts, playing on 17 May and a band trip - and a social community that often lasts throughout the school years.

ages 7-18

Sagene skoles musikkorps

Korps

Sagene skole, Sagene

The school band at Sagene school, open to pupils from the lower grades and up. Children borrow an instrument and learn to play it from scratch, while playing together with others from the very start. School bands are among the most affordable music options for children, since the instrument and tuition come with membership.

ages 7-18

Møllergata skoles musikkorps

Korps

Møllergata skole, Sentrum

The city's oldest school band, founded in 1901, at Møllergata school in the middle of the city centre - with room for new aspirants every year. The band was awarded the City of Oslo's culture prize in 2017. The band gives children in a densely populated district access to instrument tuition and ensemble playing without the family having to buy an instrument. One of the most centrally located school bands in the city.

ages 7-18

Trasop skoles musikkorps

Korps

Trasop skole, Østensjø

The school band at Trasop school in Østensjø, with aspirant tuition for the youngest pupils. New members need no experience - they get an instrument, their own instructor and a place in the aspirant band, moving up to the main band when ready. Regular rehearsals, concerts and the 17 May parade.

ages 7-18

Grorud skoles musikkorps

Korps

Grorud skole, Grorud

The school band at Grorud school, one of few bands in the Groruddalen valley and an important cultural offering in a district with fewer organised activities. Aspirants are admitted from the lower grades, instruments are borrowed from the band, and tuition happens within the band itself. Follow the Facebook page for rehearsal times and admission.

ages 7-18

Østensjø skoles musikkorps

Korps

Østensjø skole, Østensjø

The school band at Østensjø school, with an aspirant band for beginners and a main band for the more experienced. The band combines weekly ensemble playing with individual instrument tuition, and takes part in concerts, band festivals and the 17 May parade. Instruments are provided by the band.

ages 7-18

Oslo Domkirkes Ungdomskor

Kor

Oslo domkirke, Sentrum

A chamber choir attached to Oslo Cathedral, rehearsing in the church on Monday evenings. The choir admits singers from age 16 (and has members into their twenties), performing sacred music at a high level in one of the country's best-known church spaces. For young people who have sung in a children's choir and want to take their voice further.

ages 16-18

Rytmisk Ungdomskor

Kor

Oslo, Sentrum

Norway's national youth choir for rhythmic singing, founded in 2019, where ambitious young singers gather to perform pop, jazz, soul, folk music and spirituals at a high level. The choir works in gatherings through the year, and is a natural next step for young people who want to pursue singing outside the classical tradition.

ages 16-18

Uranienborg kirkes barnekor (UKK)

Kor

Uranienborg kirke, Frogner

The children's choir in Uranienborg church's choir school, split into two groups that both rehearse on Wednesdays - Choir 1 in the early afternoon and Choir 2 later on. The choir school has a long tradition and gives children systematic vocal training in one of the city's most beautiful church interiors. Church choirs are usually among the most affordable music options for children.

ages 6-13

Ullern Aspirantkor og Barnekor

Kor

Ullern kirke, Ullern

Ullern parish's choir programme is split in two: the Aspirant Choir for grades 1-3 and the Children's Choir for grades 4-7, so children meet peers and repertoire suited to their own age. The parish also has dedicated music offerings for the very youngest. Singing in a church space gives children an acoustic they rarely experience elsewhere.

ages 6-13

Nordstrand Soul Kids

Kor

Nordstrand kirke, Nordstrand

A children's choir for ages 4-9 in Nordstrand parish, where joy, community and musical development through play and song are central. The repertoire sits closer to gospel and soul than traditional church music, so it really swings - and the youngest get to sing with no requirement to read music.

ages 4-9

Alfa minigospel

Kor

Vestre Aker menighetshus, Ullevålsveien 117, Nordre Aker

A mini gospel choir for children from four years old through second grade, in the merged parish of Bakkehaugen, Majorstuen and Vestre Aker. Rehearsals run on Wednesdays 17:30-18:30 (outside school holidays) in the lower floor of the Vestre Aker parish house, Ullevalsveien 117. Halfway through there is a break in the parents' room with juice for the children and coffee for the grown-ups, a short devotion, and then a little more singing. Gospel is easy to take in: simple melodies, plenty of rhythm, and songs the children remember after the first rehearsal.

ages 4-8

St. Olav barne- og ungdomskor

Kor

St. Olav domkirke, Akersveien, St. Hanshaugen

The children's choir at St. Olav Catholic cathedral, for children from grades 3 to 7, rehearsing in the parish hall on Tuesday afternoons. The choir sings at Mass and has a repertoire rooted in the Catholic church music tradition - giving children familiarity with a very different sound world from that of school choirs.

ages 8-13

Paulus barnesang og barnekor

Kor

Paulus kirke, Grünerløkka, Grünerløkka

Paulus and Sofienberg parish gathers children in Paulus church every other Tuesday for dinner and children's singing - a combination that makes it easy for families to make it after work and kindergarten. The meal is part of the arrangement, and the singing is pitched so that both four-year-olds and school children can join in.

ages 4-12

Korsvoll Skolekorps

Korps

Korsvoll og Kringsjå skole, Nordre Aker

A school band for children and youth from Korsvoll and Kringsjå schools, with around 70 members aged 7 to 17 across an aspirant band, junior band, main band and its own drill troupe. The band has been part of Korsvoll school since 1964, and new aspirants are normally admitted in May or June. Instrument and tuition are included.

ages 7-17

Tåsen Skolekorps

Korps

Tåsen skole, Nordre Aker

A school band founded in 1927, with both a concert band and its own drill troupe - the drill section was added in 2003. The band admits aspirants from the lower grades, lends out instruments and provides tuition, and the drill troupe is an alternative for children who would rather march with a baton than play. Almost a century at Tåsen.

ages 7-18

Marienlyst Skoles Musikkorps

Korps

Marienlyst skole, Nordre Aker

A school band for pupils at Marienlyst school, founded in 1952, with members from six to eighteen years old across a main band, two junior bands and an aspirant group. The fine-grained structure means children play alongside peers at their own level all the way up, and the very youngest can start as early as six.

ages 6-18

Grefsen skolekorps

Korps

Grefsen og Disen skole, Nordre Aker

The school band for pupils at both Grefsen and Disen schools, founded in October 1928 - two schools sharing one band, which gives a larger and more robust line-up than either school manages alone. Aspirants are admitted from the lower grades, with instruments on loan and a dedicated instructor. The 17 May parade is the highlight of the season.

ages 7-18

Ullevål skoles musikkorps

Korps

Ullevål skole, Nordre Aker

A concert band for young musicians at Ullevål school, with aspirant admission for the youngest pupils. As in all school bands you borrow an instrument from the band and get tuition on it - the family does not need to buy anything to start. Follow the band's Facebook page for admission and rehearsal times.

ages 7-18

Kampen skoles musikkorps

Korps

Kampen skole, Gamle Oslo

The city's second-oldest school band, founded in 1906 by William Farre - only Møllergata from 1901 is older. The band has around 90 members across aspirant, junior and main bands, and was awarded the City of Oslo's culture prize in 2017. Aspirants are admitted from the lower grades, with an instrument on loan and a dedicated instructor.

ages 7-18

Torshovkorpset

Korps

Torshov, Sagene

Formerly Torshov School's Music Band, and as far as is known the world's oldest and largest band where every musician has an intellectual disability or complex learning difficulties. The band was founded in 1972 and has around 60 musicians aged 15 and up. Awarded the City of Oslo's culture prize in 2017 - a wholly distinctive offering in Norwegian band life.

ages 15-18

Oslo Domkirkes Guttekor

Kor

Oslo domkirke, Sentrum

A boys' choir at Oslo Cathedral for boys aged 6 to 13 who like to sing, with an aspirant and soprano group - and dedicated voice groups for alto, tenor and bass from age 16. All members get individual singing lessons and music training in addition to choir rehearsals, which run every Tuesday afternoon in the cathedral. Admission is by audition.

ages 6-18

KIGO barnekor: Tutti, Allegro og Crescendo

Kor

Gamle Oslo, Gamle Oslo

KIGO - Culture in Gamle Oslo runs three children's choirs in the district: Tutti, Allegro and Crescendo, the last based at Gamlebyen school. All are free, and costing nothing makes them available to every family whatever their finances - Gamle Oslo is one of the districts where such low-threshold offerings matter most. No prior experience is needed. KIGO has run cultural activities for children in the district since 2012 and was established as a non-profit in 2015.

ages 6-13

Blessing barnekor (Frelsesarmeen)

Kor

Frelsesarmeen Oslo sentrum, Sentrum

A children's choir at the Salvation Army in central Oslo, open to children who want to sing whatever their background. The repertoire leans towards gospel and worship music, with plenty of rhythm and movement, and Salvation Army choirs are known for welcoming everyone with a low threshold. Listed on UngFritid, where you can sign up directly.

ages 5-13

Barnekor i Tonsen menighet

Kor

Tonsen kirke, Bjerke

The children's choir in Tonsen parish, part of the parish's broad work with children and youth in the north-east of the city. Like the other church choirs the threshold is low and the cost small, and the choir takes part in services and parish events through the year. Contact the parish for rehearsal times and admission.

ages 6-13

Kor i Holmlia kirke

Kor

Holmlia kirke, Søndre Nordstrand

Holmlia parish has several choirs, for both children and adults, in one of the city's most multicultural districts. Church choirs are traditionally among the most affordable and inclusive music offerings there are, and here children sing alongside peers from the neighbourhood. Contact the parish for rehearsal times and which choirs are taking new singers.

ages 6-18

Røa kirkes jentekor

Kor

Røa kirke, Vestre Aker

A girls' choir at Røa church, part of the parish's broad music programme that also includes baby singing, a chamber choir, concerts and the Røa Music Festival Weeks. The girls sing in the church's acoustic and take part in services and concerts through the year. An established music community in the west of the city with a low threshold for new singers.

ages 6-18

Vestre Aker Strykeorkester

Orkester

Slemdal skole, Vestre Aker

One of Norway's largest string orchestras for children and young people, parent-run and working with Oslo kulturskole. Pupils get individual tuition on violin, viola, cello or double bass at several of the primary schools in Vestre Aker, plus a weekly orchestra rehearsal in a group matched to level and age. The orchestra is split into Vestre Aker Gresshopper, Lillestryk, Storestryk, Kammerkameratene and Kammerorkester, and the joint rehearsals are at Slemdal school on Thursdays. The oldest players carry on until they are nineteen.

ages 4-18

Grefsen skoles strykeorkester

Orkester

Grefsen skole, Nordre Aker

A parent-run neighbourhood orchestra recruiting mainly from Grefsen school, with tuition on violin, viola, cello and double bass and rehearsals at the school. Together with Grefsen school's junior strings and Engebråten Ungdomsstrykere it forms an unbroken path from age five to eighteen, so children can stay in the same community throughout their school years. The termly fee is 3,000 kroner, and instruments can be rented for 400 kroner a term.

ages 5-18

Kjelsås skoles strykeorkester

Orkester

Kjelsås skole, Nordre Aker

The string counterpart to the school brass band: an orchestra for children at Kjelsås school and in the surrounding area, with three groups by level. Tutti Frutti for the youngest rehearses on Mondays, Non Stop for the slightly older on Thursdays, and the main orchestra on Thursday afternoons. Individual or small-group lessons run through the rest of the week. The aim is simple and old-fashioned in the best sense: to awaken an interest in music in primary-school children.

ages 6-16

Engebråten Ungdomsstrykere

Orkester

Engebråten skole, Nordre Aker

A parent-run youth orchestra for musicians from around thirteen to eighteen, rehearsing at Engebråten school on Tuesdays 6-8pm through the school year. Most members come from the string orchestras at Kjelsås, Grefsen and Disen, and this is where they carry on once they have outgrown the children's orchestra. Open to anyone who wants to join, and led by cellist and conductor Bård Bosrup from Oslo kulturskole.

ages 13-18

Småstrykerne

Orkester

Ullevål skole, Nordre Aker

A small string orchestra for children and young people in Ullevål hageby, teaching violin and cello with ensemble playing, ear training and singing at the centre. Every pupil gets both a group lesson and an individual lesson each week, in the afternoons Monday to Thursday and within after-school hours where possible. Beginners are mostly first- and second-graders, but other age groups are taken in as capacity allows. The orchestra borrows premises at Ullevål and Berg schools.

ages 6-15

Øya Strykeorkester

Orkester

Ila skole, St. Hanshaugen

A family orchestra at Ila school where children, young people and parents play together - a rarity in a landscape where children and adults mostly rehearse apart. Ila Strykeband rehearses on Mondays 6.15-7.45pm, with a built-in break and something good to eat. Members can read music but play a lot together by ear, and the repertoire is deliberately varied to introduce different genres. The conductors are cellist Øyvind Engen and pianist Trygve Brøske.

ages 6-18

Steinerskolens strykeorkester

Orkester

Rudolf Steinerskolen i Oslo, Flyveien 2, Vestre Aker

The string orchestra at the Rudolf Steiner school at Hovseter, divided into Ministryk, Lillestryk and Storestryk plus a chamber group. Ministryk is for the newest beginners, working on playing position, rhythm games, note reading and listening to one another before moving on. All the groups have a fixed rehearsal day on Mondays, and the youngest rehearse within after-school hours. Which group a pupil joins is decided by the teacher and conductor from a mix of level and age.

ages 6-18

POPrommet: Popkids, Popsingers og Vokalkompaniet

Kor

Ekebergveien 243, Nordstrand

A pop choir at Nordstrand, split into Popkids for children aged five to nine, Popsingers for teenagers and Vokalkompaniet for those who want to go further. They sing pop, new and old, rather than the classical repertoire most children's choirs stick to - an alternative for children who would rather sing what they actually listen to. POPrommet is a private music school that also teaches singing, instruments and songwriting, so singers can add individual lessons alongside the choir.

ages 5-18

Nordberg Barnegospel

Kor

Nordberg kirke, Kringsjågrenda 1, Nordre Aker

A children's gospel choir in Nordberg parish at Kringsjå. The Store-Bago group is for children in years 3 and 4 and rehearses on Wednesdays 6-7.15pm in the parish room next to the church. Children's gospel is a simpler and more rhythmic way into choral singing than the classical repertoire, and the threshold is low - you sign up by contacting the choir's contact person.

ages 8-10

Skøyen Skolekor

Kor

Skøyen skole, Vestre Aker

One of the country's largest children's choirs, with well over a hundred members across all seven year groups. Founded in the winter of 2004, it rehearses in the assembly hall at Skøyen school every Monday, with the first rehearsal in the second week after term starts in August and January. Members join in year 1 and can stay through year 7. The school sits just behind the wheel of life in Frogner Park.

ages 6-13

Det Ukrainske Barnekoret Credo

Kor

Mørtelverksbakken 5, Bjerke

A choir for children and young people from four to sixteen, founded in Oslo in 2023 by conductor and music teacher Larysa Smaga. The choir is open to everyone - both children with Ukrainian backgrounds and children of other nationalities who want to sing together - and the repertoire is Ukrainian and international. The children develop in a warm and trusting atmosphere, and for the Ukrainian families the choir is a place where the connection to their own culture is kept alive. One of few choirs in the city that welcomes four-year-olds.

ages 4-16

Oslo Ungdomskor

Kor

Centralteateret, Akersgata 38, Sentrum

Ung i Kor Oslo's own youth choir, for everyone aged 12 to 20 whatever their level and previous singing experience. The choir is gathering-based rather than weekly: around four weekend seminars a year at Centralteateret, each with rehearsals, shared meals, social activities and a concert on the Sunday. You sign up for one gathering at a time, so it doesn't require committing a whole year. The repertoire crosses genres, from Norwegian artists to Sami joik. The fee is 500 kroner per gathering and covers tuition, food and merch - if you need help with the fee or with travel, you say so in the sign-up form, and participation is free for refugees.

ages 12-18