National Youth Orchestras of Scotland accepting applications
The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is unique in providing a complete orchestral experience for its students aged between eight and 25, through its comprehensive pathway of orchestras, jazz bands, training ensembles and an ever-expanding outreach programme. In addition to organising residential training programmes, intensive rehearsals and national and international concert tours, the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is committed to introducing musical experiences to Scotland’s young people through workshops in communities throughout the country.
The NYOS courses offer Scotland’s most promising young musicians the chance to learn from world-class tutors, develop specialist jazz skills from an international network of renowned jazz musicians, and play under the baton of some of the most eminent conductors in the industry.
NYOS Symphony Orchestra will be joined by fantastic soloists and world-renowned conductors in 2022, in a programme featuring some of the most dazzling, challenging and richly orchestrated works of the last century. Saxophonist and BBC Young Musician 2016 finalist Jess Gillam will join the orchestra for its spring concerts, which are presented in partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
We are thrilled to confirm that our in-person jazz courses will once again return to the breath-taking surroundings of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, where all of our jazz members gather for a week of collaborations, informal performances and listening parties. NYOS Jazz Orchestra also marks its 30th anniversary, which will be celebrated during its autumn course in 2022, joined by guest soloists, tutors and directors who have played a vital role over three decades of incredible jazz performances.
As the NYOS Senior Orchestra goes from strength to strength as an ensemble, its members will also have the opportunity to perform orchestral repertoire of the highest standard regularly played by professional orchestras around the world, this year including an exploration of the dark waters of Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead.
Furthermore, the NYOS Junior Orchestra is the first stepping-stone on the NYOS Classical Pathway and an often-unique opportunity for our youngest players to experience playing in a full symphonic orchestra.
“We are determined to make music together again,” says Head of Ensembles, Judith Archibald. “These past two years have been a period of adversity and great change, and we have been inspired by the resilience of our young people who have been determined to make music, whilst looking to make a positive impact on the world around them.
“We have a group of world class soloists and guest artists to inspire them, the finest tutors to guide them, and amazing repertoire to excite them.”
Applications to the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland are invited from instrumentalists with Scottish connections i.e., born in Scotland, living in Scotland, studying in Scotland, or with Scottish family. For classical and jazz, applications open on Friday, August 20, with the closing date on Tuesday, September 28. For audition videos, the closing date is Monday, 25 October 2021.
It is free to audition for all NYOS ensembles, and bursaries are available to support course fees. If anything is currently preventing any young musician from applying to or auditioning for NYOS, they are encouraged to get in touch, whether it is lack of access to a musical instrument, a suitable device, or poor internet connection, NYOS is committed to helping.
To find out more and to apply, click here.
To apply and to find out more, visit or more information, contact the NYOS Ensembles Team via email at [email protected].