The Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy (OYOA) is a registered Canadian charitable organization[1] that comprises two full orchestras, eight instrumental ensembles for strings, winds, brass and harp, a beginner's and pre-school program, and instruction in music theory and history through Grade 3 in the RCM Syllabus.

Playing through weekly rehearsals and performances before live audiences, the orchestra usually presents four public concerts each season.

The two groups merged in 1986 as the National Capital Strings and Wind Academy, and re-established the Ottawa Youth Orchestra which had been dormant for six years.

A full teaching structure[clarification needed] provides instruction on the playing of strings, percussion, woodwinds, and brass instruments in an ensemble.

In the past years, some students have won their class in the local festival and represented the Canada National Capital Region provincially.