A photo of a teenager leaping into the air, hand on the neck of a double bass and a bow in their other hand flung out behind them. They are wearing a colourful jacket and are in front of a light grey background.

AYO Programs

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The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative training organisations for young musicians. It holds a vital and unique place in Australia’s musical landscape: bringing together exceptional artists, tutors and young musicians from every corner of the country and beyond.

For 75 years, the Australian Youth Orchestra has played an integral role in developing Australia’s finest musicians, thinkers and cultural leaders.

Our specialised training pathways have been created to nurture the musical development of gifted young instrumentalists: from school-aged musicians to those on the verge of a professional career. Alongside renowned performance programs for talented young people under the age of 25, we offer complementary courses for aspiring composers, arts administrators, sound engineers and music journalists aged up to 30 years. 

Established by the late Richard Gill AO, AYO Music in Me is a specialised program for primary educators who want to deliver quality music in the classroom. 

The Australian Youth Orchestra

Our internationally renowned flagship orchestra.

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An orchestra stands onstage facing an audience. Members of the orchestra wear black suits with white dress shirts or colourful jackets and tops.

AYO Symphonists

The finest high-school age musicians in the country.

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Several teenage musicians dressed in formal black clothing and holding their instruments smile as they walk down a hallway.

National Music Camp

A transformative, two-week residential Summer program.

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Five young people outside on a sunny day dressed in concert blacks jumping in the air, smiling while holding their instruments.

Momentum Leaders

Emerging creative leaders collaborate with Arts8 peers.

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Nine young people stand on a stage with instruments. They are wearing matching blue shirts and gray pants and are barefoot. They gaze upwards, backlit with two red lights.

Professional Immersion – Orchestral

Opportunities to experience life in a professional orchestra.

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A photo of cellos and double basses rehearsing in a rehearsal room. The musicians are a mix of older and younger people and are wearing casual clothing. The musician closest to the camera has a streak of red in their black hair.

Professional Immersion – Arts Administration

Opportunities to experience life in a professional arts organisation.

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A young woman holds a pile of orchestral music folders in one arm and places a folder on a stand with her other hand. There are several stands and chairs surrounding her, and there is a harpsichord in the background.

Composition

New work by emerging composers is performed by professional orchestral musicians at National Music Camp.

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A photo of someone writing with a pencil on music placed on a stand. The photo is taken close up, so only the arm of the person and the bridge of a cello are visible.

Momentum Ensemble

A springboard to a multi-faceted career in music performance.

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Eight musicians wearing all black stand spaced apart on a small hill covered in tall grasses. Each musician holds a string instrument. There are trees, a hill, and a bright blue sky in the background.

Media and Communication

A deep dive into music journalism and storytelling across various media at National Music Camp.

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A photo of a young woman speaking into a microphone. In the foreground is the out of focus back of an older man who is faced to the woman and listening. In the background there is another young woman listening with her faced turned towards the speaker. All three figures are dressed in all black.

Orchestral Management

Real-life experience in all aspects of orchestral operations at National Music Camp.

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A young woman wearing a black AYO T Shirt and standing in front of choir risers. There are chairs, stands, and percussion instruments on the risers behind her.

Sound Production

Hands-on experience in all facets of recording and amplifying classical music at National Music Camp.

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A close up picture of hands moving dials on a mixing board. On the board there is a microphone, speaker, and a desktop displaying audio editing software.

Industry Insights

AYO participants have the opportunity to take part in a free online professional development series throughout the year.

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A young woman speaks into a microphone and looks at an older man beside her, who is dressed in all black and also holding a microphone. Behind them sits an orchestra on a stage.

Music in Me

AYO’s national music teacher mentor program for primary educators

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A conductor faces the camera and looks off in the distance. Behind him a chamber ensemble sits and plays. In the background is a screen that has a powerpoint projected on it, featuring the text Brett Weymark, Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Further Information

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