Like all state-based youth orchestras in Australia, SYO auditions all players –  each year – on a competitive basis. Competitive auditions are the accepted method of equitably assessing an orchestra’s members and ensuring that players of similar ability are placed together. As a training organisation, auditions are a key part of becoming a professional musician and as such we aim to prepare our musicians for this experience. There are two main reasons that we audition each year: 

Individual players progress at different rates. Placements are based on playing ability in the context of all auditionees, not on membership length. Each year there will be some players from an ensemble who are ready to face the challenges of another ensemble and some who will benefit more from continuing with their current group. 

There are new members auditioning for Sydney Youth Orchestras each year. By hearing all players, new and existing, auditioning for an orchestra, we can be sure that our standards are high, and that placement is fair and appropriate for everyone. This provides balance within each ensemble and maximum benefit for its members. 

No. All information gained through the audition process is private and confidential. Sydney Youth Orchestras will not enter into a conversation that concerns an applicant’s audition results with the applicant, their parents/guardians or teachers. This mirrors the audition processes in the music profession and Sydney Youth Orchestras strives to prepare musicians for the reality of professional audition and performance standards and procedures. 

The audition panel will make seating recommendations after watching all videos, including recommendations for section principals of The.SYO. 

Thanks to the generosity of SYO’s private donors, section principals of The Sydney Youth Orchestra receive support toward their participation fees. Section principal positions are merit-based and confirmed in December when audition results are released.

Principals play a vital role in shaping the sound, culture, and experience of the orchestra. As part of accepting a Principal Scholarship, musicians are expected to take on a leadership role within the orchestra, support their section, and represent SYO at key events throughout the year.

Yes! There are a number of different scholarships are available to support young musicians and their families. 

To receive more information and a scholarship form, be sure to check the appropriate box on your online audition application.

There are also scholarships for tertiary, regional and Principals. Read more about our scholarships here.

Scholarship results are announced on the same day as audition results. Any received scholarship value will be reflected directly on your enrolment form.