Applications and Auditions for NYOS 2025

Applications for NYOS orchestras 2025 are now closed.

Applications for our orchestras are now closed. If you would like to enquire about a late application please email us at ensembles@nyos.co.uk

Our New Audition Process

This year we have made a few changes to the audition process:

There is only one application form covering both orchestras.
All solo auditions will be pre-recorded video submissions.
Everyone will also be invited to attend a half-day, in-person group audition.

After reviewing our auditions to ensure a fairer and more enjoyable process, this year we are asking everyone to audition via a pre-recorded video. These can be recorded at home, school or college, on your phone or tablet, and uploaded to our auditions platform.

As players, you have shared with us that you want more opportunities to meet other young musicians from across Scotland and play music together. As such, everyone will be invited to attend a half-day group audition session. 

> Find Out About Our Audition Process

2025 is going to be a very exciting year for NYOS as we welcome some wonderful conductors and soloists to present some amazing programmes with us. Our NYOS orchestra will go on tour for the first time in 10 years, performing at the Young Euro Classic festival in Berlin, our Music Director, Catherine Larsen-Maguire will conduct NYOS Development for the first time, and we will perform a brand-new commission by composer Jay Capperauld.

> Find out more about 2025 programmes

Our courses provide outstanding orchestral education and performance opportunities for young musicians aged 11 to 22 living and studying in Scotland, as well as those with Scottish connections based further afield.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Orchestral instrumentalists:

Born in Scotland
Living in Scotland
Studying in Scotland
With Scottish family

NYOS
Ages 14-22
Grade 8+ or equivalent

NYOS Development
Ages 11-18
Grade 5-8 or equivalent

NB: Qualification is a guide only and you do not need to have taken any exams to apply.

You will not be asked to audition for a specific orchestra, and instead will be asked to complete our orchestras application form and, if you are successful, we will place you in the orchestra that best suits you.

If you have any concern about submitting your application and recorded audition by the deadline, please contact us at ensembles@nyos.co.uk

COSTS

NYOS - £2,215

NYOS Development - £1,100

Membership includes:

Tuition from outstanding professional musicians
The opportunity to perform with world-class conductors and soloists at Scotland’s top concert halls
Leisure time and extra-musical activities including health and wellbeing sessions, technical exercises and masterclasses
All residential accommodation for both spring & summer courses
All meals
Travel to concert venues
NYOS branded merchandise

Due to our planned 6-day European tour next year, NYOS orchestra fees will increase to £2,215. We understand that this is a significant rise, but it reflects the additional costs associated with the tour, which will undoubtedly be a highlight of our season.

** NO STUDENT WHO IS OFFERED A PLACE ON A NYOS COURSE WILL MISS OUT DUE TO FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES **

Finance should never be a barrier to joining the NYOS community and we encourage everyone applying for NYOS to visit our Financial Assistance page to see what support you might be eligible for. Auditions are free and course bursaries of up to 100% are available.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our bursary fund has been increased to help cover the additional costs of the tour, and bursaries of up to 100% are available according to financial need.

We are committed to making this experience as inclusive and accessible as possible. We encourage you to read our eligibility criteria and if you need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to apply for a bursary when you accept your place.

In 2024, 49% of our orchestral participants received bursary support, and 1 in 5 of our players attending their orchestra completely free of charge.

NYOS is a welcoming and inclusive community. If anything is currently preventing you from applying to or auditioning for NYOS, or there are any access needs you would like to discuss with us ahead of an application, please do let us know by emailing the NYOS Team at ensembles@nyos.co.uk