As a member of one of our orchestras, you will join a community of other young people with a passion for orchestral music-making.

Representing Scotland at a national level, you will work with work-class conductors, soloists and tutors and performing outstanding orchestra music in prestigious music halls. 

You will inspire audiences and future young musicians, whilst developing a range of key skills and abilities and forming lifelong friendships and memories.

Everyone has their own musical journey and being part of a NYOS orchestras can support you on yours, wherever you wish to take it.

To be eligible to apply for our orchestras, you must meet the following criteria:

Play an orchestral musical instrument

(violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, percussion and timpani, harp). 

As part of your additional, you can audition to double on any of the following instruments (piccolo, cor anglias, bass clarinet, contra bassoon).

You can apply on more than one instrument, however if it is not a doubling instrument, you will need to complete a separate application, provide the relevant audition videos, and attend a separate group audition for that instrument.

Be aged 11-22 years on 1 April 2027

Be playing between grade 5 and grade 8+

Have a Scottish connection, one or more of the following:

• Born in Scotland
• Live in Scotland
• Study in Scotland
• Have a Scottish family connection

Below important dates for your audition application. Please make sure you make a note of these, especially the in-person audition days.

Applications Open: Tuesday 18 August 2026, 12 noon

Applications Close/Video Submission Deadline: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 4pm

In-Person Invitations Sent: Monday 19 October 2025

In-Person Auditions (half days):

Strings

Sunday 8 Number – Glasgow

Saturday 14 November – Edinburgh

Wind / Brass

Saturday 7 November – Glasgow

Sunday 15 November – Edinburgh

Percussion

Saturday 7 November – Glasgow

Harps

Sunday 8 November - Glasgow

Places Offered/Bursary Information Sent: w/c 30 November

Accept Your Place By: Tuesday 12 January 2026, 12 noon

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

Every year, we build both of our orchestra from scratch ensuring that every young musician is treated fairly and given equal opportunity to participate. If you are new to NYOS, do not worry, you will be supported all the way.

APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2026

Our application process is made up of three elements:

Application Form

This is an online form where we ask for details including: who you are, your instrument and playing ability, your musical experience and which in-person audition day you would like to attend.

The application form can be submitted at any point up until 4pm on Tuesday 13 October and it can be submitted in advance of uploading your videos.

Solo Video Audition

We ask everyone that is auditioning to submit video auditions of their solo playing. Each person is asked to demonstrate their skills through playing a chosen piece as well as orchestral excerpts.

All video auditions must be uploaded onto our portal by 4pm on Tuesday 13 October.

In-person Group Audition

Alongside video auditions, everyone is invited to attend an in-person group audition. This builds on the skills demonstrated in the video auditions, and allows us to see how you perform in an ensemble setting. These will take place in Glasgow and Edinburgh in early November – see the Key Dates section for the exact dates of the in-person auditions for your instrument.

By being part of one of our orchestras you will take part in outstanding musical training, collaborate with like-minded young musicians and perform world-class orchestral music in music halls across Scotland.

As a member of either of our orchestras, you  will take part in two residential courses (spring and summer) which will culminate in public performances in music halls in Scotland. The schedule for our 2027 orchestras is as follows:

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Alongside rehearsals you will also participate in workshops and activities designed to develop you as a musician and performer, as well as enjoying social activities you’re your fellow musicians.

Our courses, the music we play and our performances are an exciting challenge and a great way to develop as a musician and individual. However, do not worry, you will be supported throughout by our fantastic tutors, our wonderful pastoral staff, and the wider team at NYOS.