Applications & Auditions
Applications for the 2027 NYOS orchestras will open at 12 noon on Tuesday 18 August.
Why Apply?
As a member of one of our NYOS orchestras, you will join a community of 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 perform inspiring and challenging orchestral music in prestigious concert halls.
You will inspire audiences and future young musicians, whilst developing a range of key skills and abilities, at the same time as forming lifelong friendships and memories.
Who Can Apply?
NYOS exists to support you on your musical journey wherever you are headed.
To be eligible for our orchestras, you should meet the following criteria:
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Play an orchestral musical instrument We accept applications from the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, percussion and timpani, harp.
As part of your application, you can audition to double on any of the following instruments: piccolo, cor Anglais, bass clarinet, contra bassoon.
You can apply on more than one instrument, but unless it is doubling instrument, you will need to complete a separate application, provide the relevant audition videos, and attend a separate group audition for that instrument.
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Be aged 11-22 years on 1 April 2027 If you are not yet 11 years old, our NYOS Academy programme might be an option for you.
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Be playing at minimum grade 5 level You do not need to have taken exams (we use these grades only as a guide to help you understand if you are playing at the right level for our orchestras), but your teacher may be asked to endorse your application if this is the case.
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Have a Scottish connection All those who auditions should meet one or more of the following:
- Born in Scotland
- Live in Scotland
- Study in Scotland
- Have a Scottish family connection
Key Dates
Please note these dates, especially the in-person audition days, to ensure you don't miss out!
Applications Open: Tuesday 18 August 2026, 12 noon
Applications Close/Video Submission Deadline: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 4pm
Confirmation of your In-person Audition Date and Time: Monday 19 October 2025
In-Person Auditions (half days):
Strings
Sunday 8 November – 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
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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
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.
Each year, we build both our orchestras from scratch. If you are new to NYOS, you will be welcomed and 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
You will be required to submit a solo video audition. You will be asked to demonstrate your skills with a piece of your choice as well as orchestral excerpts (published on our website from 18 August 2026).
All video auditions must be uploaded onto our portal by 4pm on Tuesday 13 October.
In-person Group Audition
Everyone is also asked to attend an in-person group audition. This builds on the skills demonstrated in the video auditions and allows us to see you in an ensemble setting. This year's in-person auditions will take place in Glasgow and Edinburgh in early November – see the 'Key Dates' section for details.
What Can I Expect?
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 to audiences across Scotland.
By playing your part in one of our NYOS orchestras you will receive outstanding musical training, collaborate with like-minded young musicians, and perform with world-class conductors and soloists in concert halls across Scotland.
As a member of either of our 2027 orchestras, you will take part in two residential courses (spring and summer) to rehearse inspiring and challenging orchestral music with are both followed by public concerts.
The schedule for our 2027 orchestras is as follows:
