Frequently Asked Questions

The non-refundable application fee of $70 goes towards covering the running cost of auditions.

AYO is committed to ensuring all musicians are able to apply regardless of financial or geographical barriers. If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot cover the application fee, please contact AYO.

AYO programs are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents, and students enrolled in full-time study in Australia during the year of the program.

To ensure that all applicants are assessed fairly and equitably, all auditions of the same instrument will be assessed by the same panel. Any panellist who is also the teacher of an applicant will not assess their audition. AYO’s artistic team also reviews the panel’s assessments.

AYO understands that participants may have access to a range of recording equipment. Differences in recording quality will not be considered when determining the outcome of auditions.

After you have completed your application you will have instant access to the excerpts. You’ll find them in the portal under ‘My Auditions’.

No, applicants should prepare a new video to submit as their AYO audition.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept auditions submitted late, as the audition panel will begin assessing auditions immediately after the deadline.

Due to the high volume of applicants for AYO programs we are unable to provide individual feedback on auditions.

Receiving a reserve offer is a great achievement. Applicants who receive a reserve offer for a program may be offered a position at a later date, should a participant need to withdraw. Withdrawals are unpredictable, and reserve musicians could receive an offer to participate up until the start of a program. Unfortunately, we are not able to disclose information about the reserve lists.

Yes, if AYO cancels a program before the start date any paid program fees will be refunded to you in full.

Yes, applicants are able to receive a refund if they withdraw from a program at least six weeks prior to the start of the program. However, if costs have been incurred by AYO (such as flights being booked on behalf of the applicant), this will be deducted from your refund amount. AYO reserves the right to retain program fees in the event a participant withdraws within six weeks prior to the start of a program.

Fees are due to be paid six weeks prior to the start of each program. If you are unable to make full payment, we ask that you put in place a payment plan or apply for financial assistance.

A payment plan allows you to pay off your fees in smaller monthly instalments.

Yes. If we receive an application for financial assistance, we will wait for the outcome before asking you for payment.

You will receive your music at least one month before the start of your AYO program.

Accommodation varies a little from program to program, but we usually stay in university accommodation or similar. Sometimes you’ll share a room with other musicians, and sometimes you’ll have a room to yourself.

Embarking on an adventure away from home is one of the most enjoyable parts of the AYO experience. Activities often take place in the evenings, and for this reason we encourage you to stay on site with the rest of your colleagues.

To be a part of the Australian Youth Orchestra you must be available to participate in both seasons.

No. Participants must arrive and depart on the days outlined in the program details.

If you can no longer attend an AYO program, please contact AYO to arrange your withdrawal. There may be financial penalties depending on the timing of the program withdrawal.

Absolutely! If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with the AYO.

Yes. One of our staff members waits at the airport to oversee transfers for all AYO musicians.

AYO programs provide a unique opportunity for young musicians to rehearse, perform and socialise with like-minded peers from around the country. Allowing participants space helps them learn and connect with others during the program. If your child has a particular need for support, please be in touch with AYO to discuss this further.

Yes. All musicians under 18 are required to sign in at their accommodation every evening. The curfew time varies a little from program to program, depending on evening rehearsals and activities.