Auditions Information

Applications for each of NYSO’s 2025 orchestras are open until the deadline of 31st October 2024*.

  • 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, as these operate as separate projects.

*All auditions will be assessed after the submission deadline of 31st October. 

Audition requirements

Please see the individual requirements below for each orchestra.

Please note – if you’ve read each orchestra’s playing standard/age guidelines and you’re still not sure which orchestra to apply for, know that our music directors will discuss the auditions with each other to make sure that everyone is placed in the most suitable orchestra, so chose the audition guidelines (below) which seem most suitable. 

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 your first key play the major scale + minor arpeggio + minor 3rd scale.
    2. In your second key play the minor scale (harmonic or melodic) + major arpeggio + major 6th.

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: 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. *If playing in the keys of E and G preferably 3 octaves, any other keys can be 2 octaves.

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. *If playing in the keys of E and G preferably 3 octaves, any other keys can be 2 octaves.

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

 

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.
  • If you submit multiple videos, please name each link so we can see which video is which.
  • 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). 

Come & Join Us.

NYSO has 4 orchestras of different ages and levels. The Senior Orchestra is for Grade 8 and above. Camerata for ages 13-17 and playing standard grade 6-8. Sinfonia for 9-12 years and Grade 5-7, and Sinfonietta for talented 7–9 year-old string players at grade 2-5 or equivalent.

Senior Orchestra Sinfonietta Sinfonia Orchestra Camerata Orchestra

Support Us.

The continued generosity of our supporters enables NYSO to make our residencies accessible to a broad spectrum of talented young string players. This is fundamental to our ethos and key to our continued success.

Become a Supporter