Applications & Auditions
Applications for our 2026 orchestras are now closed.
We are currently only accepting late applications for VIOLA and DOUBLE BASS. If you play one of these instruments and wish to submit a late application to audition, please contact ensembles@nyos.co.uk
Applications for our 2026/27 orchestras will open in August 2026.
Applications for NYOS Academy will open in early 2026. For more information visit the NYOS Academy programme page.
The NYOS 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.
How we do this:
- There is only one application form covering both orchestras.
- All solo auditions are by pre-recorded video submission providing flexibility to each auditionee.
- Everyone is also be invited to attend a half-day, in-person group audition to showcase there ensemble playing skills.
These are designed to ensure that each young person who auditions for NYOS has the best chance to demonstrate their skills and passion helping us to best place them in our orchestras.
Find out more about our auditions below.
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Who Can Apply? You are eligible to apply if you are an orchestral instrumentalist:
NYOS
Ages 14-22
Grade 8+ or equivalentNYOS Development
Ages 11-18
Grade 5-8 or equivalentNB: Grade qualification is a guide only and you do not need to have taken any exams to apply.
Have a Scottish connection:
- Born in Scotland
- Living in Scotland
- Studying in Scotland
- With Scottish family
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.
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Course Fees Our 2025/26 course fees are:
NYOS - £1,750
NYOS Development - £1,350Membership 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
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.
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Pre-recorded Solo Audition To make the process more inclusive, we ask that solo auditions are submitted as pre-recorded videos. This means you can comfortably perform and record your audition at a time and place that suits you. Performances can be uploaded together as one video or as separate videos.
Audition Requirements (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 Requirements
You are required to perform four orchestral excerpts. You are not required to perform a piece of your choosing. -
In-person Group Audition Alongside pre-recorded solo auditions, everyone is invited to attend a half-day group audition. We want to give each young person the chance to demonstrate their ensemble playing skills whilst playing alongside other passionate young musicians.
These relaxed sessions are 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 meet the wider NYOS team.
You can read more about our in-person auditions here.
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NYOS's group auditions create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere which definitely gets the best out of the young people.
Parent, NYOS Auditions 2025
