NYOS Academy

Dive in to NYOS Academy!

About NYOS Academy

NYOS Academy is a series of two-day courses across Scotland offering early and intermediate stage musicians the chance to develop the skills needed to play as part of a group, in a fun and inclusive setting.

These courses are the space for young people who can’t get enough of playing music. NYOS Academy welcomes 9-14 year olds, bringing them together with sectional directors and seasoned tutors to practice and perform a selection of music chosen specifically for them. Participants will get to develop their listening, confidence, and teamwork skills by playing in a group, while also advancing their musicianship by spending quality time with experts in their instrument.

NYOS Academy will be back for summer 2026. The find out when applications open, sign up to our mailing list.

Requirements

Skill Level: ABRSM Grade 2 – 5. Participants should be confident with the basics of their instrument and able to read music independently.

Age: 9-14*

Scottish Connection:

• Born in Scotland
• Live in Scotland
• Studying in Scotland
• Have Scottish family

*see FAQ below

When will I hear back?

After you apply, we will contact you within 1 week to let you know that we have received your application and that either we are a holding place for you, or to ask for additional details.

Then, towards the end of May we will contact you to confirm your place and enrol you on the course.

Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so for particularly busy courses you might be placed on a waiting list. In May we will then we able to tell you if/when spaces become available - they more than often do!

What level is the course aimed at?

NYOS Academy is aimed at early to intermediate players between grades 2 and 5. As a guideline, participants should be able to do the following:

• Read sheet music
• Follow common rhythm patterns
• Play basic scales for their instrument (e.g. C and F major for violin, B♭ and D major for trumpet, C major for flute)
• Play fingered notes – if they play a string instrument

If you’re not sure whether your child is at the right level for this course their music teacher should be able to advise.

We do not recommend NYOS Academy for anyone who is still only starting to learn. We want everybody to have a good time. and anyone who does not have the required skills yet may find the course too challenging and may not get the most out the experience.

Does my young person need to have done any graded exams?

No. We use ABRSM grades 2-5 as a guideline, but you do not need to have completed any exams

My young person has just turned 15, is there space for them?

We try to be flexible with to each young musician. We know that bassoon, oboe, and percussion players tend to start learning a litle later than other instruments, and will consider applications from 15 year olds for these instruments.

Is catering provided?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are provided each day of the course, and we accomodate for allergies and dietary requirements.

How much does the course cost?

The fee for NYOS Academy is £150. Financial support and bursaries are available.

You can find out more about applying for financial assistance on the dedicated information page. You do not need to supply any financial information before applying. 

> Financial Assistance for NYOS Courses

I live far away. Can I access support travelling to and from the course?

Yes. If you live more than an hour away there is financial assistance available to help with costs around both travel and accommodation.

When can I apply for a bursary?

We will open bursary applications in May when you confirm your young musician’s place on the course. Your offer letter will include all the information you need to know about applying for a bursary.

You can find out more about applying for financial assistance on the dedicated information page. You do not need to supply any financial information before applying. 

> Financial Assistance for NYOS Courses

My young person plays the drums, but has never played tuned percussion before, can they still take part?

Yes. NYOS Academy is a great place to be introduced to the basics of orchestral percussion and learn something new. If your child has mastered the fundamentals of drumming, our friendly tutors can help them take their next steps.

Do you offer discounts for siblings?

If you are enrolling more than one person onto a course then you can apply for a bursary.

We offer bursaries for siblings rather than a fixed discount so that we can offer bigger discounts to those who need the most support.