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NYO-USA audition requirements

National Youth Orchestra of the USA asks string players to prepare a focused audition. Yes. The whole application is video-based: a series of audition segments, each a single take with no editing within a segment. Basic home equipment is explicitly fine. The fastest way to know your take is at standard is to score it on the same five dimensions a panel listens for, before you ever hit submit.

Score your audition takeFirst take is free. No signup, no card.

Recorded audition

Yes. The whole application is video-based: a series of audition segments, each a single take with no editing within a segment. Basic home equipment is explicitly fine.

Typically requires

Per-instrument video segments (solo plus excerpts and scales as specified), recorded within a few months of the deadline. The specified material changes each year.

Season

Applications close in winter for the following summer's program.

Ages

Ages 16 to 19 (the related NYO2 program is ages 14 to 17).

Worth knowing

Carnegie Hall flags edited or pitch-manipulated segments as disqualifying, so an honest, well-prepared take matters most.

Requirements, repertoire, and dates change every season and vary by instrument and ensemble. Always confirm the current, official requirements before you prepare: NYO-USA official audition page

Frequently asked

Does NYO-USA use a recorded or video audition?

Yes. The whole application is video-based: a series of audition segments, each a single take with no editing within a segment. Basic home equipment is explicitly fine.

When are NYO-USA auditions?

Applications close in winter for the following summer's program. Dates change every season, so confirm the current cycle on the official site.

What do NYO-USA string auditions require?

Per-instrument video segments (solo plus excerpts and scales as specified), recorded within a few months of the deadline. The specified material changes each year. Always confirm the exact, current requirements for your instrument and ensemble on the official page.

How can I practice my NYO-USA audition recording?

Record your audition excerpt on Orchestra Kingdom and get an Advance, Callback, or Not Yet verdict with scores on tone, intonation, rhythm, tempo, and musicality, the same dimensions a panel weighs, before you submit. Your first take is free, no signup.

Walk into your NYO-USA audition knowing you are ready.

Record your audition excerpt. The panel returns your verdict plus five-dimension scores. First take is free, no signup.

Face the panel

Other youth orchestra auditions

See all youth orchestra auditions

NYO-USA audition requirements

Score your audition takeFirst take is free. No signup, no card.

Recorded audition

Yes. The whole application is video-based: a series of audition segments, each a single take with no editing within a segment. Basic home equipment is explicitly fine.

Typically requires

Per-instrument video segments (solo plus excerpts and scales as specified), recorded within a few months of the deadline. The specified material changes each year.

Season

Applications close in winter for the following summer's program.

Ages

Ages 16 to 19 (the related NYO2 program is ages 14 to 17).

Worth knowing

Carnegie Hall flags edited or pitch-manipulated segments as disqualifying, so an honest, well-prepared take matters most.

Requirements, repertoire, and dates change every season and vary by instrument and ensemble. Always confirm the current, official requirements before you prepare: NYO-USA official audition page

Frequently asked

Does NYO-USA use a recorded or video audition?

Yes. The whole application is video-based: a series of audition segments, each a single take with no editing within a segment. Basic home equipment is explicitly fine.

When are NYO-USA auditions?

Applications close in winter for the following summer's program. Dates change every season, so confirm the current cycle on the official site.

What do NYO-USA string auditions require?

How can I practice my NYO-USA audition recording?

Walk into your NYO-USA audition knowing you are ready.

Record your audition excerpt. The panel returns your verdict plus five-dimension scores. First take is free, no signup.

Face the panel