Behind the curtain of the Composition course
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Applications for 2027 are now closed
- 11 August 2026 String auditions due
- 13 August 2026 All other applicants’ audition/portfolio submissions due
For any questions, email info@ayo.com.au
Ready to take your love of music to the next level? AYO offers exceptional opportunities for young musicians across Australia. Participants receive specialised tutelage from leading professional practitioners and work with distinguished guest artists.
An unmissable highlight in any young musician’s journey, the National Music Camp takes place in Adelaide each January. Step it up with our AYO Symphonists (formerly AYO Young Symphonists), now part of an exciting two-year international program in partnership with our friends in Singapore. The flagship orchestra will perform at iconic venues across two seasons.
AYO supports musicians aged 12 and up, with scholarships available and application fees waived for all First Nations applicants.
Key Dates
18 May 2026 Free online information session. Watch the recording
1 June 2026 Applications open
3 August 2026 Registrations close (application fee due)
11 August 2026 String auditions due
13 August 2026 All other applicants’ audition/portfolio submissions due
About our Programs
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. 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, we offer complementary courses for aspiring composers, arts administrators, sound engineers and music journalists aged 16 to 30.
Established by the late Richard Gill AO, Music in Me is a specialised program for primary educators who want to deliver quality music in the classroom.
2027 Programs
How should I choose a program?
Each of our programs caters to Australia’s finest young musicians at varying stages of their creative and professional development. Many participants start as young as twelve and follow the AYO training pathway from start to finish, while others select individual programs that complement their study schedule. AYO offers the flexibility to pick and choose the programs that suit you best, and we encourage you to apply for all the programs for which you are eligible.
