Auditions for NYOS 2026

Applications for the 2026 orchestras close at midnight, Sunday 12 October 2025.

For anyone thinking of joining a NYOS orchestra in 2025-2026, our auditions process is outlined below. The application process is made up of three elements:

> Application Form
> Pre-recorded Video Solo Audition
> In-person Group Audition

You can find more information about each element of the application process below. However, if you have any questions, concerns or access needs, please contact us on ensembles@nyos.co.uk

Start your application for the NYOS orchestras by completing this short form. You will be asked to provide some key information which helps us to choose the right orchestra for you, including:

>Your instrument and age
>Your playing level and ensemble experience
>Which in-person audition day suits you best

Please note:

We recommend that you record your video(s) before completing your application form. At the end of the Application Form, and in your confirmation email, you will receive a link to upload your pre-recorded solo audition video/s.

If you would like to apply on multiple instruments, you will need to complete a separate application form for each instrument. Doubling instruments do not require a separate application form.

To make the process more inclusive, we ask that solo auditions are submitted as pre-recorded video(s). This means you can comfortably perform and record your audition at a time and place that suits you.

Audition pieces (except percussion)  

You are required to perform one piece of your choosing and two orchestral excerpts. Your chosen piece should be no more than 5 minutes long. 

Percussion auditions: 

You are required to perform four orchestral excerpts.  You are not required to perform a piece of your choosing. 

> Audition Excerpts

Please note:

You can upload your performance as one video or as separate videos. Please read our guidance for recording your audition videos.

> Guidance for recording your solo audition video

At the end of the application form, you will be redirected to the auditions portal. Here, you can upload and submit your solo audition video(s).  

Please name your files as follows so we can easily identify them as yours: 
YOUR NAME – YOUR INSTRUMENT – NAME OF PIECE

Alongside your pre-recorded solo audition, we want to give you the chance to demonstrate your passion for music and play alongside your peers. Everyone will be invited to attend a half-day group audition.

This relaxed session will be structured into sectional and ensemble rehearsals where the focus will be on how you play as part of an ensemble. It is also an exciting opportunity to work with our tutors, and to be conducted by Rebecca Miller.

Audition dates

String auditions

Sunday 2 November - Glasgow
Saturday 29 November - Edinburgh

Wind and brass auditions

Saturday 1 November - Glasgow
Sunday 30 November - Edinburgh

Percussion auditions

Saturday 1 November - Glasgow

Harp auditions

Sunday 2 November - Glasgow

How to prepare for in-person auditions

During the half-day in-person group audition, you will work with one of our tutors for a short sectional session and with our conductor Rebecca Miller for a relaxed tutti session.

We will bring printed copies of the music you’ll need for the session - and you’ll get access to a digital copy of the music in advance and a link to a recording. We recommend that you listen through to the piece and look over your part, but you are not expected to prepare to concert standard.

The aim of the group sessions is to use the selected piece as a starting point to build a sound together in a fun and informal setting. We will not necessarily play the whole piece and may instead workshop some sections, for example, looping a couple of bars or trying out different sound qualities as a group.

If sight reading is not one of your strengths, we recommend that you take time to prepare your part and get any help you need from your instrumental teacher. We will not be testing you on your ability to play all the correct notes, but we do want you to enjoy the group session and feel confident and relaxed about your ability to join in.

> In-Person Auditions - Information Sheet

Factors affecting in-person attendance

For those who live outside of Scotland and internationally, we understand that travelling for group auditions may be difficult. We will provide you with an online audition element.

We understand that for some people, finanical barriers may make it difficult to attend auditions in central Scotland. To support your attendance, we offer a travel support bursary. When you are invited to your group audition, you will be sent an Audition Travel Support Bursary form.