21st Century Performance
Performance of standard orchestral repertoire alongside diverse musical genres.
NXT Youth Ensemble
The next generation.
Nu Deco NXT is open to passionate South Florida student musicians in grades 7–12 who are ready to grow their individual skills, strengthen their ensemble playing, and explore a wide range of styles. Applications and auditions open on August 1st and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Auditions are submitted online—just make sure you have a Gmail account to get started.
Build the Next Generation — Support Nu Deco NXT through the external Salesforce donation form. Leaves the Nu Deco Ensemble website.More Information
Join Nu Deco NXT
Audition Form — Apply for 2026–27 NXT auditions using an external Google form. Leaves the Nu Deco Ensemble website.2026–27 Auditions now open.
Grades 7–12, Miami-Dade. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and auditions are submitted online.
Spring Intensive Recap
Read video transcript
[Upbeat music]
This year has been a phenomenal year. The talent is incredible. The size of the orchestra is the biggest it’s ever been.
[A speaker gives rehearsal direction.]
On the very first day, they start creating their collective composition, so they’re creating new ideas and getting outside of their comfort zone.
Three, two, and let it out.
We are the 2026 Nu Deco NXT writers’ cohort.
The idea that sparked the creation of this piece was the journey that every piece has been through.
My favorite aspect of writing this piece is seeing how it all came together, especially with the help of Simon and his arranging of it.
It was so fun to mentor them and guide them, so we have an actual piece for a whole orchestra.
When Michelle Skinner approached me for this commission, she proposed it as a collaboration with YoungArts Visual Arts. I knew exactly who I wanted to work with. This is my friend Liam Lawless, who’s an incredible photographer.
The music is an exploration of construction and opulence and beauty, and also of labor. I feel like a lot of the imagery is very stark, a lot of contrast, and I feel that through the music.
We’re really creating this creative pipeline now. You’re seeing a kid come hear us in an education concert, work with us in a school, come to us in Nu Deco, matriculate to colleges like Berklee—which we also have a relationship with—and then even come back to work with us professionally.
[Upbeat music]
The beauty of Nu Deco is freedom of expression and all the different ways that people can take your music. Hearing them take my ideas and their ideas and turn it into something new altogether is incredible, and I really love the process.
Now we’re in performance mode.
[Upbeat music]
Why We Built NXT
Miami's next generation takes the stage.
Nu Deco NXT is a free youth ensemble for Miami-Dade musicians in grades 7–12, offering year-round experiences such as side-by-side performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center, full ensemble rehearsals, composition labs, and career exploration. Spearheaded by Nu Deco Ensemble Co-Founders Sam Hyken and Jacomo Bairos, and led by NXT Director Michelle Skinner, Nu Deco NXT serves as a vital and accessible platform for developing the next generation of resilient and versatile musicians.
The Four Pillars of NXT
What makes NXT different.
Wellness
Mindfulness and wellness sessions that build performance resilience through mock auditions and reflective practices.
Leadership
Student leaders and interns, individualized mentorship, public speaking, and career exploration.
Musical Creation
Full ensemble collaborative compositions, NXT Writing Cohort, and Composer-in-Residence Program.
Spring Break, Reimagined
Nu Deco NXT Spring Intensive.
March 21–27, 2027 · Dennis C. Moss Center
Each season builds toward a weeklong intensive during spring break where students engage in immersive rehearsals, creative collaboration, and wellness and leadership activities. Working closely alongside the professional musicians of Nu Deco Ensemble, NXT musicians bring the week to a powerful close with a live performance at the Dennis C. Moss Center, showcasing their yearlong artistic growth. Applications and auditions open on August 1st and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Auditions are submitted online—just make sure you have a Gmail account to get started.
In Their Own Words
Stories from NXT students.
Names changed at family request. Stories shared with permission — these are the voices that make the case for NXT better than any pitch deck ever could.
“Nu Deco NXT helped me realize that pursuing a career in composition was possible. Through opportunities like having my music performed, and receiving mentorship from some of the best composers and musicians, I was able to develop my voice as a composer. Because of the mentorship and connections I made through NXT, I began taking my future as a composer seriously, which has led to many opportunities, including being accepted to the Juilliard Summer Composition Program on a full scholarship.”
Arturo Estevez
NXT Violinist & Concertmaster · 2026 NXT Writers Cohort
“Nu Deco NXT was a key factor in preparing me for college... I was able to professionally record my prescreening videos for free, and I received private lessons with Nu Deco NXT Teaching Artist Aaron Merritt, who helped me refine my audition. Now, I'm heading to my dream school, the Frost School of Music, on a full-tuition scholarship!”
Harmoni Warren
NXT Cellist, Production Intern · 2025 NXT Writers Cohort
“Nu Deco gives me a true experience of what playing and enjoying music should be like... Joining Nu Deco NXT has allowed me to showcase emotion, creativity, and passion without ever feeling judged. Every year that I participate in the Spring Intensive, I'm surprised by the quality and enthusiasm of the music played and the talent of the musicians around me.”
Jaden Lee
NXT Violinist · Principal Second Violin
“Nu Deco NXT helped me realize that pursuing a career in composition was possible. Through opportunities like having my music performed, and receiving mentorship from some of the best composers and musicians, I was able to develop my voice as a composer. Because of the mentorship and connections I made through NXT, I began taking my future as a composer seriously, which has led to many opportunities, including being accepted to the Juilliard Summer Composition Program on a full scholarship.”
Arturo Estevez
NXT Violinist & Concertmaster · 2026 NXT Writers Cohort
“Nu Deco NXT was a key factor in preparing me for college... I was able to professionally record my prescreening videos for free, and I received private lessons with Nu Deco NXT Teaching Artist Aaron Merritt, who helped me refine my audition. Now, I'm heading to my dream school, the Frost School of Music, on a full-tuition scholarship!”
Harmoni Warren
NXT Cellist, Production Intern · 2025 NXT Writers Cohort
“Nu Deco gives me a true experience of what playing and enjoying music should be like... Joining Nu Deco NXT has allowed me to showcase emotion, creativity, and passion without ever feeling judged. Every year that I participate in the Spring Intensive, I'm surprised by the quality and enthusiasm of the music played and the talent of the musicians around me.”
Jaden Lee
NXT Violinist · Principal Second Violin
Ensemble Gallery
The students, up close.
2026 – 2027 Season
Thank you for Investing in the Next Generation
Build the Next Generation
$2,500 sends a kid to NXT.
Every NXT seat is donor-funded. Sponsor a student for a year, underwrite the Spring Intensive, or fund a composition lab. Honor and memorial gifts are welcomed. Nu Deco NXT is made possible through the support of The Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation, Albert and Jane Nahmad Family Foundation, Kirk Foundation, Peacock Foundation, the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Batchelor Foundation, State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture, and Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council.