How do I apply?
Current members will receive a personalised link via email when audition applications open on Thursday 23 July. If this is your first time applying to SYO, please complete the Audition Application form once auditions open. Visit our Join page for more information.

I’ve already auditioned before, why do I need to audition again each year?
Like all state-based youth orchestras in Australia, SYO auditions every musician each year, including returning members. Because individual musicians progress at different rates, auditioning each year ensures placements reflect your current playing ability. It also means we’re assessing new and returning musicians together, keeping standards high and placements fair for everyone.

What does it cost to audition?
The audition fee is $72, payable when you submit your application. This is non-refundable and goes toward booking professional panellists and audition administration. Current members should apply using their personalised link to receive their $10 member discount. For full program fees, see our Participation Fees page.

Which orchestra should I audition for?
New applicants should visit Which Orchestra Is Right For Me? and speak with their instrumental teacher before applying. 

We encourage current SYO members audition for the next level orchestra, however it is common for musicians to spend at least two years in each level before moving up. The audition panel will consider you for all eligible orchestras and you may receive an offer for a different ensemble to your first preference. 

Being offered the same orchestra again or a different orchestra to your first preference does not reflect a lack of progress, it simply reflects where your playing sits alongside this year’s auditionees and where the audition panel feels you will have the most opportunity to develop as a musician. 

Do existing members get any consideration against new applicants?
If two musicians audition at the same standard for the same place, preference is given to the existing member. This does not apply if the new applicant auditions at a higher standard.

Can I change my orchestra preference after applying?
Yes, at any time. Once audition excerpts are released, you will have the option to submit an orchestra preference change form and receive a new set of excerpts. You can also contact us at [email protected]. You don’t need to submit a new application.

Can I apply for more than one orchestra?
Yes, but you do not need to submit another application. When you apply for an orchestra, you’re automatically considered for other eligible ensembles too — so if the panel feels you’re not quite ready for your preferred orchestra, you may be offered a place in another at a similar or lower level, depending on availability. If you’d like to audition on a different instrument, see the next question.

What if I want to audition on two instruments?
If you are auditioning on a primary instrument and its auxiliary instrument (for example, flute and piccolo, or clarinet and bass clarinet), you will only need to submit one audition application and will be charged one audition fee.

If you are auditioning on two different instruments (for example, violin and cello, or trumpet and clarinet), you will be required to pay two audition fees, as your audition videos are assessed by two separate panels.

If you play an endangered instrument (viola, double bass, oboe, bassoon or bass trombone) in addition to another instrument, you can apply for a second audition free of charge through our Endangered Instruments Program. Simply indicate this on your audition application form. Learn more on our Endangered Instruments Program page.

What is an “endangered instrument”?
An endangered instrument is one that’s in high demand across orchestras but harder to find enough musicians for – not just at SYO, but in tertiary and professional orchestras across Australia. This currently includes viola, double bass, oboe, bassoon and bass trombone. 

When will I receive my orchestral excerpts?
You’ll receive an email with a link to your Audition Instructions as soon as your application is complete. Excerpts will be sent on Thursday 10 September, unless you’ve submitted a late audition. Don’t forget to check your spam folder! If you’ve applied but haven’t received this email, contact us at [email protected].

How should I prepare for my audition?
Read your Audition Instructions carefully, and take your excerpts to your instrumental teacher for guidance on preparation and repertoire selection. Check your junk mail if your instructions don’t arrive promptly.

I requested a late audition — what happens next?
We’ll let you know by email whether your request has been approved, along with your late submission date. You’ll receive your excerpts five weeks before this date.

Why are excerpts sent out later than in previous years?
Following a review with our conductors, panellists and artistic staff, we’ve limited the period musicians have their excerpts to five weeks (rather than providing them immediately upon application). This gives us a clearer picture of true technical ability and sight-reading standard, and better reflects the timeframe musicians will need to master repertoire once they’re in an SYO orchestra.

For full details on formats, devices, framing, and setting up your recording space, see our 2027 Audition Instructions .

Can I edit my audition video?
No, your audition must be filmed in one continuous take, with no sound or video editing. Any sign of editing will mean your audition can’t be assessed.

Can I have an accompanist or anyone else in my video?
No. None of the required excerpts need accompaniment, and your own choice piece must be performable unaccompanied. You can choose a piece with accompaniment, but it must be performed unaccompanied in your audition video. If a teacher, guardian or accompanist is heard or seen playing alongside you, your audition won’t be assessed.

Should I sit or stand?
This depends on your instrument and what’s comfortable for you. For instruments that can be played standing, we find this often shows off posture and technique more clearly.

I don’t have a device to record my audition on. What should I do?
Contact us at [email protected] — we’re committed to helping every musician access what they need to submit a video audition.

How do I submit my video audition?
You’ll receive a personalised submission link the week before submissions are due. Uploading can take several hours, so don’t leave it until the last minute. We’d also recommend doing a few practice recordings ahead of time. Late submissions aren’t accepted without prior approval.

Can I change my submission date?
If you have not already been approved for a late audition, no. With over 1000 audition videos to schedule across our panels each year, changes are very difficult to accommodate. Exemptions are considered individually for health (with a medical certificate) or other extenuating circumstances. If you miss your deadline without a valid, documented reason, your audition will be considered forfeited – contact us if you’d still like to be considered.

How should I name my video file?
Please use the format FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_INSTRUMENT_ORCHESTRAPREFERENCE — for example, John_Citizen_Violin_Stage1.mov. Correct naming helps us make sure your video is reviewed by the right audition panel – incorrectly named files may not be assessed.

My video is taking a long time to upload, what can I do?
Try uploading overnight or during off-peak hours. If you’re still having trouble, you can compress your file using video compression software. Let us know if you’re experiencing technical difficulties — we’re happy to help.

Can I resubmit my video audition?
Yes, if it’s before the submission deadline. Email us at [email protected] to arrange this. Resubmissions aren’t accepted after the deadline has passed.

I missed the submission deadline, what should I do?
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your individual circumstances.

What happens to my video after I submit it?
Your video will be reviewed by our team to ensure all required elements are included, the video has not been edited and that the sound and audio are suitable for assessment. If there are any issues with your video, you will be given the opportunity to resubmit. Your video is then sent to our panel for assessment. Your video is never shared beyond this process and is only retained for as long as needed for assessment.

Do I get feedback on my audition?
No. All audition information is kept private and confidential, and SYO does not discuss individual results with applicants, parents, guardians or teachers. This mirrors professional audition practice, and reflects our aim of preparing musicians for the standards and procedures they’ll encounter in the profession.

Are AMEB or Suzuki grades taken into account?
No. Placement is based solely on your video audition. Grades can be a helpful guide when choosing which ensemble to audition for, but you don’t need to have passed an exam to gain a position, and passing one doesn’t guarantee you a place.

How is seating and section placement decided?
The panel makes seating recommendations after reviewing all videos. There’s no musical reason to seat players strongest-to-weakest, in fact, the opposite is often true. Musicians are regularly rotated through different sections and positions throughout the year, particularly in our younger ensembles, helping them learn to play alongside different musicians and understand the value of every role in the orchestra.

Does everyone who auditions get offered a position?
Because of how SYO is structured, we’re usually able to offer a position to most string musicians who audition, although it may not be in the ensemble you nominated as your first preference. Your placement is based on your audition performance and aims to put you with musicians of a similar standard and experience. Your offer reflects where your playing sits alongside this year’s auditionees and where the audition panel feels you will have the most opportunity to develop as a musician.

For wind, brass and percussion, positions are more competitive, particularly for The.SYO and SYO Philharmonic, where places for each instrument are strictly limited. For example, it is common to have over 30 flute players applying for just 4 positions within The.SYO.

Some musicians may be offered a ‘Reserve’ result, meaning a place couldn’t be offered due to limited availability. Reserve musicians may still be offered a position if another applicant declines their place.

Can I be part of SYO if I’m not based in Sydney?
Yes! SYO welcomes musicians from regional NSW. We offer a range of support to help remove geographical barriers to participation, including flexible attendance options and contribution discounts. To be classified as a regional musician, you must live more than 200km from the Sydney CBD. See our Regional Musicians page for full details, or contact us at [email protected] to discuss your situation.

Can I apply for a scholarship?
Yes, scholarships are available to support musicians and families facing financial hardship or other circumstances that would otherwise prevent them from joining SYO. Read more about the different scholarships we have available and how to apply our Scholarships page.

What are the weekly commitment expectations?
With limited places available each year, being offered a position with SYO is a real achievement. Successful applicants commit to weekly rehearsals for their orchestra across the full year, plus occasional extra rehearsals or workshops outside regular times. Members of The Sydney Youth Orchestra (The.SYO) follow a program-based schedule (advised at enrolment), which may include shorter, more intensive rehearsal periods to suit tertiary and pre-professional commitments. Insufficient attendance or participation may put your position at risk.

When and where are weekly rehearsals held?
Different SYO ensembles rehearse at different venues and at different times. You can find out when and where each ensemble rehearses by visiting our Which Orchestra? page and clicking through to the orchestra you are interested in.

How much does enrolling in SYO cost?
Costs vary across our orchestras, since each takes part in different activities throughout the year. Visit our Participation Fees page for full details.

Sydney Youth Orchestras is a not-for-profit organisation, and musician fees cover only 33% of the full cost of running the SYO Annual Training Program. The remainder is subsidised through support from Create NSW, our donors and sponsors — helping keep SYO accessible for every musician.