Auditions

Applications for each of NYSO’s 2025 orchestras will be open until 31 October 2024.

All auditions will be assessed after this deadline.

Each orchestra has two residencies a year; in Spring & Summer. 

If applying for the Senior, Camerata and Sinfonia orchestras, you must be able to commit to both residencies, as these work as a year-long project where the orchestras begin learning the repertoire in Spring (with the residency ending in an informal workshop), and polish it for a more formal concert at the end of the Summer. 

If applying for the Sinfonietta orchestra, you may attend one or both of the residencies. 

Sections on this page:

Audition requirements

Please see the individual requirements below for each orchestra.

Please note – don’t worry too much if you aren’t sure which orchestra to apply for as our music directors will discuss the auditions with each other to make sure that everyone is placed in the most suitable orchestra. 

Senior Orchestra

  • Two contrasting pieces of your own choice. Playing with an accompanist is at your discretion.
  • Orchestral excerpts (linked here): Senior audition excerpts
  • Scales and arpeggios.
    1. In a major key play the scale + arpeggio + double stop 3rds scale.
    2. In a minor key play the scale (harmonic or melodic) + arpeggio + double stop 6ths scale.

Scale notes: Preferably 3 octaves, you may choose either slurred or separate bows, or a mix. Double stops can be played broken/stepped or together.
Basses – double stops not required. If playing in the keys of E and G preferably 3 octaves, any other keys can be 2 octaves.

Camerata Orchestra

  • One piece of your own choice. Playing with an accompanist is at your discretion.
  • Orchestral excerpts (linked here): Camerata audition excerpts
  • Scales and arpeggios.
    1. In a major key: play the scale + arpeggio 
    2. In a minor key: play the minor scale (harmonic or melodic) + arpeggio
    3. One double stop scale of your choice (either 6ths, 3rds, or octaves if this has been covered in your lessons) 

Scale notes: Either 2 or 3 octaves, please play one key with separate bows, and one with slurred. Double stops can be played broken/stepped or together.
Basses – double stops not required.

Sinfonia Orchestra

  • One piece of your own choice. Playing with an accompanist is at your discretion.
  • Orchestral excerpts (linked here): Sinfonia audition excerpts
  • Scales and arpeggios.
    1. In a major key: play the scale + arpeggio 
    2. In a minor key: play the minor scale (harmonic or melodic) + arpeggio
    3. One double stop scale of your choice (either 6ths, 3rds, or octaves if this has been covered in your lessons) 

Scale notes: Preferably 2 octaves, please play one key with separate bows, and one with slurred. Double stops can be played broken/stepped or together.
Basses – double stops not required.

Sinfonietta Orchestra

We recognise that some promising musicians in this age group may have only been playing for a short time. Our audition process is therefore designed to make sure that enough knowledge is in place for members to be able to access the residency fully. It is expected that members will be able to read music.

  • One piece of your own choice.  You can play alone, with an accompanist, or in a duet with your teacher.
  • Sing “Who stole my chickens and my hens?”  Video example: here
  • Scales and arpeggios.
    1. One major scale + its arpeggio
    2. One minor scale (natural, melodic or harmonic) + its arpeggio.  

Scale notes: 1 octave is enough, but feel free to play two octaves if you know them.  Please play one of these with slurred bowing and one with separate

Not sure which orchestra to apply for?

Click here to learn more about the standard requirements & what each orchestra gets up to during residencies…

Senior
Camerata
Sinfonia
Sinfonietta

Video requirements
(all orchestras): 

  • Please state your first and last name clearly before playing anything. 
  • Before each piece/orchestral excerpt/scale, please state the title and composer/identify which scale you will be playing before each one.
  • Set up the camera so we can see the musician from at least the waist up, and position the music stand so we can see the musician’s instrument as well.
    *For those auditioning on larger instruments, such as cello and double bass, please try to capture as much of the musician as possible in the picture.
  • Check that the sound quality of the recording is satisfactory and without distortion before uploading.
  • You may record your entire audition in one take, or record your piece(s)/scales/excerpts separately. If you have multiple recordings, if possible, please submit them as one link (e.g. either multiple YouTube videos in a folder, or edit the videos together). 
  • Upload your audition video/s to YouTube (public or unlisted).
    How to upload a video to YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Apply here