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 world-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 make a note of these dates, especially the in-person audition days, to ensure you don't miss out!
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NYOS' 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 provide the best opportunity for you 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:
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:
