joining in FAQs
Here are some of the questions we are often asked regarding applications for the NYO. Take a moment to see if your query is answered here. If not, you are welcome to email us with any further queries at .
How old do you have to be to apply to the NYO?
If you are auditioning for the first time, you must be 18 or under on 1 September in the year you apply. Current and former NYO members aged 18 or over are entitled to re-audition so long as they are under 20 when the NYO year culminates.
Do I have to have passed Grade 8 before I apply?
No. You need to be of a standard equivalent to that required to pass Grade 8 with distinction (ABRSM/Trinity Guildhall/London College of Music) but you do not have to have taken any exams. If you’ve not taken the exam, instead we ask you to supply written confirmation from your teacher stating that you are of the standard to pass Grade 8 with distinction.
Can I apply on more than one instrument?
Yes. You should make a separate application for each instrument on which you wish to apply.
I play an auxiliary wind instrument (eg. piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet or contra bassoon). Do I need to bring it to my audition?
At the preliminary round audition stage, we only listen to your main orchestral instrument. At final audition stage only, we invite anyone interested in being considered to play piccolo or cor anglais to bring their instrument to their audition. This year we will not be auditioning bass clarinet or contra bassoons.
For the final round, piccolo players are invited to bring a short extract to play (no longer than 1-2 minutes) of their own choice, and cor anglais players are invited to play the slower of the two NYO studies on cor anglais. Please note, this is not a compulsory element to auditions and will in no way affect your result if you do not play piccolo or cor anglais, or if you choose not to play them in your audition.
How much does it cost to audition?
There are no fees for auditioning for the NYO and we are able to help with travel costs to and from the audition venue. A travel cost reimbursement form can be obtained from the steward at your audition.
I’m nervous about the auditions. How many auditions do I have to take and who will listen to my playing?
It’s entirely natural to be nervous about auditions, but we always aim to ensure that our auditions feel informal and very friendly. For most instruments, there are two rounds of auditions. In the preliminary round you will play to an NYO tutor. Your audition will also include a short discussion so you can tell us more about yourself and your interests and ask us any questions. In the final round, you will play to at least one NYO tutor of your instrument plus at least one other senior member of the NYO team. The final round will also include a short, informal and fun workshop with other candidates which will explore ensemble playing and enable you to draw insight from our experts.
Can I play unaccompanied pieces at my audition?
All instrumental candidates (except harp and percussion) are asked to perform accompanied works and must use the professional accompanist provided by us at auditions. All instrumental candidates must also prepare an unaccompanied study – details of these can be found in the ‘players’ pages from 18 May onwards.
How do I get hold of the study to be played in the audition?
Most good sheet music shops will be able to order the music you need, but if you are having difficulty locating it, we recommend you contact the Barbican Music Shop on 020 7588 9242 which is offering a 10% discount on all music ordered for NYO auditions; please specify this when placing an order with them.
Can I change my audition date if it is inconvenient?
You will be allocated an audition at your first choice of venue, assuming there are still spaces available. If this is not possible for you, we will do our best to offer a different date (which may be at a different venue) to suit you, but cannot guarantee this will always be possible.
I am worried that we may not be able to afford the NYO course fees. Can you help?
Yes. As soon as you become a member you may apply for financial assistance for course fees which for NYO 2010 are at £1380 for players and £1200 for composers. The NYO is also able to help with travel costs to and from attendance at courses and offers suggestions for obtaining funds from other organisations. We believe that no member/potential member should be denied access to NYO membership or audition for financial reasons so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
What are the course dates?
The following dates for the 2011 courses are strictly provisional and may well change, but each course is unlikely to exceed the dates specified here:
Winter 2011
28 December 2010 – 8 January 2011 – course venue tbc
Spring 2011
9 – 24 April 2011 – course venue Durham University relocating to London on 23 April
Summer 2011
23 July – 6 August 2011 – course venue Birmingham University relocating to London on 6 August
I will be taking GCSEs/A Levels this year. Will there be time and space to do my revision?
There will be quiet times scheduled into all courses to allow for any members of the orchestra to study, revise and practise.
Will there be opportunities on the courses to play music other than the concert repertoire?
Yes. Courses regularly feature creative projects in which members of the orchestra work and perform together in small groups, often on repertoire that relates to and will give you greater insight into the main symphonic programme. Sections often give informal concerts during the course and many members of the orchestra get together to make chamber music of their own: if there’s a chamber piece you’ve always dreamed of playing with other advanced young musicians, this could be your moment, so bring it along! There are also informal run-throughs of orchestral music that we’ll be performing on future courses. You will also have the chance to work with the NYO Composers who are resident throughout the course, helping them learn more about writing for your instrument and bringing their ideas instantly to life. Also be prepared to sing and dance: these are great NYO traditions which help us make new connections with our symphonic repertoire, explore our musicianship from a different perspective, shed inhibitions, have fun and become an even stronger team!
What happens when I am not playing my instrument?
The NYO is a great place to meet some of the best friends you will have for life, and there are plenty of breaks when you will have the opportunity to make friends with other members of the orchestra. You may occasionally find yourselves doing some surprising things. Our dance workshops traditionally lead to a dance party and other regular evening activities include films, football and lots of games, many arranged by the orchestra themselves so suggestions are always welcome!
If we haven’t answered your question here, you are welcome to email us with any further queries at