Applications and Auditions for NYOS 2026

Applications for NYOS orchestras 2026 are now open!

Complete the 2026 Application Form here.

Our Audition Process

We want our audition process to ensure that you have the best opportunity to demonstrate your musical skills in a welcoming and fun environment. Our audition process comprises three elements:

There is only one application form covering both orchestras.
All solo auditions will be pre-recorded video submissions.
Everyone will also be invited to attend a half-day, in-person group audition.

After reviewing our auditions to ensure a fairer and more enjoyable process, this year we are asking everyone to audition via a pre-recorded video. These can be recorded at home, school or college, on your phone or tablet, and uploaded to our auditions platform.

As players, you have shared with us that you want more opportunities to meet other young musicians from across Scotland and play music together. As such, everyone will be invited to attend a half-day group audition session. 

> Find Out About Our Audition Process

Who Can Apply?

Our courses provide outstanding orchestral education and performance opportunities for young musicians aged 11 to 22 living and studying in Scotland, as well as those with Scottish connections based further afield.

You are eligible to apply if you are an orchestral instrumentalist:

Born in Scotland
Living in Scotland
Studying in Scotland
With Scottish family

NYOS
Ages 14-22
Grade 8+ or equivalent

NYOS Development
Ages 11-18
Grade 5-8 or equivalent

NB: Qualification is a guide only and you do not need to have taken any exams to apply.

You will not be asked to audition for a specific orchestra, and instead will be asked to complete our orchestras application form and, if you are successful, we will place you in the orchestra that best suits you.

If you have any concern about submitting your application and recorded audition by the deadline, please contact us at ensembles@nyos.co.uk

Course Fees

NYOS - £1,750
NYOS Development - £1,350

Membership includes:

Tuition from outstanding professional musicians
The opportunity to perform with world-class conductors and soloists at Scotland’s top concert halls
Leisure time and extra-musical activities including health and wellbeing sessions, technical exercises and masterclasses
All residential accommodation for both spring & summer courses
All meals
Travel to concert venues
NYOS branded merchandise

Financial Assistance & Inclusivity

** NO YOUNG PERSON WHO IS OFFERED A PLACE ON A NYOS COURSE WILL MISS OUT DUE TO FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES **

Finance should never be a barrier to joining the NYOS community and we encourage everyone applying for NYOS to visit our Financial Assistance page to see what support you might be eligible for. Auditions are free and course bursaries of up to 100% are available.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our bursary fund has been increased to help cover the additional costs of the tour, and bursaries of up to 100% are available according to financial need.

We are committed to making this experience as inclusive and accessible as possible. We encourage you to read our eligibility criteria and if you need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to apply for a bursary when you accept your place.

In 2025, 56% of our orchestral participants received bursary support, and nearly a third of our players attended their orchestra completely free of charge.

NYOS is a welcoming and inclusive community. If anything is currently preventing you from applying to or auditioning for NYOS, or there are any access needs you would like to discuss with us ahead of an application, please do let us know by emailing the NYOS Team at ensembles@nyos.co.uk