How to Apply

Create an account in the MyAYO portal if you don’t already have one.

Applying on behalf of an applicant? Make sure you use the name and contact details of the applicant. Next of kin are included on all communications to under 18 year olds.

Important: If you have applied before, make sure you use the same username as last year. Contact us if you have forgotten your username and/or password.

The application has several pages.

The first page asks for basic contact and personal information and details for a next of kin. This includes a section labelled “Statistical Data”. The information in this section is used in de-identified totals for reports. It is not used as part of assessing applicants and is not visible to the audition panel.

The next page collects your address, in case we need to post material to you. There is space to record a temporary address as well as your usual home address if necessary.

The next page is for education details such as your school or university, your current music teacher, music-related associations.

You may select more than one instrument for orchestral programs.

The following instruments are eligible:

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double bass
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Horn
• Trumpet
• Tenor trombone
• Bass trombone
• Tuba
• Percussion
• Timpani
• Harp
• Piano

Percussionists are not required to apply for timpani; however, all timpani applicants must also apply for percussion.

Wind instrument applicants are encouraged to audition on their respective doubling instruments as well as their first instrument.

Eligible doubling instruments include:

• Piccolo
• Cor anglais
• E-flat clarinet
• Bass clarinet
• Contrabassoon

AYO recommends that you apply for all programs you are eligible and available for. Applicants should:

• Meet the eligibility criteria as specified for each program
• Make available for the entire period listed for each program
• Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or enrolled in full-time study in Australia during 2027

To complete your registration, you will need to pay the $75 non-refundable application fee.

AYO is committed to ensuring all musicians are able to apply regardless of financial or geographical barriers. AYO will waive the application fee for all applicants who identify as First Nations.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot cover the application fee, please contact AYO.

This step must be completed by 3 August – don’t leave it to the last minute!

All instrumental applicants need to submit a recorded audition online.

Non-orchestral and composition applicants need to submit a portfolio.

To upload your audition or portfolio, go to the My Auditions tab on the portal. Click on the instrument or course name and upload the files.

11 August – Strings Auditions Due

13 August – All other applicants’ auditions/portfolios Due

Files can be uploaded from 1 June 2026 until the due date. There is a limit of 1GB for files uploaded to the portal. Typically, a file should be around 300MB and/or an iphone quality recording. recommend using a media player on your device (such as iMovie, Clipchamp, VLC, Quick Time etc.) It is recommended to export the file to a lower resolution – ideally around 720p. It’s important you don’t edit any part of the video, including editing out breaks.

All applicants will receive a result whether they are successful, reserve, or unsuccessful for each nominated program. Successful participants must secure their place by accepting their offer.

Reserve offers are given to the highest-ranking unsuccessful applicants, who may be offered a place if a successful applicant declines their offer.

Applicants will be notified by email when results have been released. You can see the updated status of your application on the My Application page

If you receive an offer for AYO, you may apply for financial assistance.

AYO is committed to ensuring that all eligible musicians are able to participate in our programs regardless of financial and geographic circumstance. Thanks to the support of the Australian Government and our donors, we have a generous financial assistance program that helps participants offset the program fees and travel costs associated with attending AYO programs. Find out more