Join Us

We welcome all committed young musicians under 21

Eligibility

  • Under 21 on 31st August of the season year
  • Minimum Grade 6 recommended (strong Grade 5 considered)
  • All standard orchestral instruments welcome

How to apply

  1. 1

    Check Eligibility

    Age under 21, minimum Grade 6 standard (strong Grade 5 considered).

  2. 2

    Submit Application

    Complete the online application form below.

  3. 3

    Prepare Your Audition

    Piece of own choice (max 5 mins), plus a prepared excerpt emailed 7–14 days before.

  4. 4

    Attend Audition

    Approximately 15 minutes, friendly and informal.

  5. 5

    Receive Decision

    Offers subject to available places.

  6. 6

    Enrol & Pay

    Annual fee ~£1,100 (UK) or ~£1,350 (abroad) · bursaries available.

Audition details

Your audition should last about 15 minutes. You are invited to play a piece of your own choice, demonstrating your current technical and musical standard — it should not last more than 5 minutes. A piece of music will also be emailed to you approximately 7–14 days before the audition for you to prepare. The auditions can be competitive; CSYO sometimes finds itself auditioning musicians all of whom would be technically and musically suitable, but to whom they are unable to offer a place as places are limited.

Next audition dates for 2025/26 — details to be announced. Application deadline: to be confirmed.

Apply online

Complete the audition application on our secure form. You will receive details about excerpts and dates after you apply.

Open application form

Don't let cost be a barrier — no student should be put off applying on the grounds of cost. Bursaries are available.

Learn About Bursaries →

Revision courses

CSYO's Spring courses are specially designed to allow students taking exams time and space to revise — with at least 4 hours of revision time per day alongside orchestral rehearsals.

Revision Courses →