NYOS Academy
| Age Range |
9 - 14 |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | Grade 2-5 |
| Course Dates |
Glasgow: 13 & 14 July 2026 | High School of Glasgow, G13 1PL Perth: 15 & 16 July 2026 | North Inch Campus, PH1 5BF Aberdeen: 17 & 18 July 2026 | Albyn School, AB15 4PB |
NYOS Academy is a series of two-day, non-auditioned courses for young people who can’t get enough of playing music.
The courses are made for young musicians that are eager to get involved in ensemble playing, introducing them to the NYOS community in a fun and supportive environment where they can grow into the kind of musicians they want to be.
What can I expect?
This year, our two-day music-making workshops will take place in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Perth.
On the courses, young people will work with sectional directors and seasoned tutors to practice and perform a range of specially selected music. This means that everyone who comes along will receive quality time with a specialist in their instrument and will also experience playing as an orchestra.
Besides rehearsals, young people will take part in creative music-making activities and spend social downtime with their peers. Snacks and lunches are provided as part of the course.
The course culminates in a performance for family and friends.
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I truly appreciate how NYOS creates such a supportive and inspiring environment for young people to make music together with others of a similar age and level. My daughter had been feeling a bit stuck with her instrument recently, and it’s been incredible to see her rediscover her enthusiasm and love for music.
Parent, NYOS Academy
Applications & Auditions
Applications will open on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
There are no auditions for NYOS Academy – simply fill in an application form and we’ll get back to you.
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Eligibility To be eligible for NYOS Academy, young people should be:
Aged 9-14
Playing at Grade 2-5 or equivalent but no exams are required. Participants should be confident with the basics of their instrument and able to read music independently.
Have a Scottish connection:
- Born in Scotland
- Live in Scotland
- Studying in Scotland
- Have Scottish family
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Application Process There are no auditions for NYOS Academy. We ask that applicants complete a short form to provide details about the young musician and their instrument.
After you apply, we will contact you within one week to let you know that we have received your application. Towards the end of May, we will be back in touch to confirm your place.
Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. While we try to accommodate everyone, places fill up quickly. If there’s no room for your instrument, you will be placed on a waiting list and alerted if a space becomes available.
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Financial Support No young person who is offered a place on a NYOS course should face financial barriers.
The NYOS Bursary Fund exists for participants who find it difficult to meet the costs of membership fees. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
You can find out more about the support we offer here - Financial Assistance. You do not need to supply any financial information before applying.
Still have a question about NYOS Academy? Read the course FAQs by clicking the button below.
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NYOS Academy, Fife | © Sally Jubb -
NYOS Academy, Glasgow | © Sally Jubb -
NYOS Academy, Glasgow | © Sally Jubb -
NYOS Academy, Fife | © Sally Jubb -
NYOS Academy, Fife | © Sally Jubb -
NYOS Academy, Glasgow | © Sally Jubb
NYOS Academy FAQs
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When will I hear back? After you apply, we will contact you within one week to let you know that we have received your application. We will let you know whether we are able to a hold a place for you or require additional information.
Towards the end of May, we will then 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. We will then notify you if a space becomes available.
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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 independently
- 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 accordingly.
We want everybody to have the best time possible on the course. For that reason, we do not recommend NYOS Academy for players who are only just beginning to learn an instrument; it may prove too challenging and they may not get the most out the experience.
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Does my young person need to have completed graded exams? No, we use ABRSM grades 2-5 as a guideline, but participants do not need to have completed any exams.
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My young person has just turned 15, is there space for them? We try to be flexible with each young musician. We know that bassoon, oboe, and percussion players tend to start learning a little later than other instruments; we will consider applications from 15-year-olds for these instruments.
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Is catering provided? Yes. Lunch and snacks are provided each day of the course, and we accommodate for allergies and dietary requirements.
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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 the support we offer here - Financial Assistance.
You do not need to supply any financial information before applying.
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I live far away. Can I access support travelling to and from the course? Yes. If you live more than an hour away, you are eligible for financial assistance to help with travel and accommodation costs. You can find out more about support with travel costs here - Financial Assistance.
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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.
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Do you offer discounts for siblings? If you are enrolling more than one person onto a course, you may be eligible 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.
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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 a bursary here: Financial Assistance. You do not need to supply any financial information before applying.