Past Events

Home / Applications

Don’t doubt yourself: That’s the advice from AYO Youth Council Co-Chair and AYO cellist, Noah Lawrence for anyone thinking of applying for AYO. Here Noah and other AYO participants share their insights into the application process.  

Noah recently returned from the AYO International Tour, a landmark journey that saw the orchestra perform in six of Europe’s most prestigious venues, including Vienna’s Musikverein, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, and Berlin’s Grossensaal RBB. 

He says some of his closest friendships were formed with AYO. “After my first Symphonists program in 2018 I was hooked and I continued to audition,” he said. 

“AYO is an essential part of the pipeline into the Australian professional music industry. I do not think I would be in a remotely similar position without it…AYO becomes more and more rewarding as you invest in it.” His advice on auditioning?

Tasmanian double bassist Rio Kawaguchi, 22, first applied for AYO in 2018 after seeing fellow musicians from the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra take part. “That inspired me to audition,” she said. She recalls her first National Music Camp in 2019 as a defining moment. “It was the first time I had played in a bass section of eight in a full orchestra. I was amazed by the huge sound a big bass section could make!” Her advice to aspiring applicants? “Definitely apply!! It really is an amazing life-changing experience to participate in any AYO program.” 

Ami Humphrey who also recently returned from the AYO International Tour as Principal flute, knows what it’s like to miss out. “Even the year I didn’t get in, I learned so much,” they said. “You learn how to make audition recordings, how to be organised, how to set up a camera and find a good microphone. That’s before you even get to the playing.” 

For Julia Hill, a violinist and Media & Communication Fellow from Hervey Bay, her AYO journey began in 2018 when her university teacher, Graeme Jennings, encouraged her to audition. “I had never heard of AYO before, but it seemed like everyone at uni was applying for it, so I prepared my excerpts and went for it. Seven years later, and I’m still doing AYO!” 

Julia has participated in a wide range of AYO programs, including the Media and Communication program, which she describes as “a chance to refine our writing skills and get our voices ready for radio.” She adds, “The AYO has prepared me well for a career in music. And I’m so excited for it.” 

Joey Eng, a 24-year-old percussionist and composer from Perth, shared: “I was never the most confident orchestral player, but AYO helped me gain that confidence in a warm learning environment. AYO helped me reconnect with the joy of performing and reminded me why I chose music in the first place. If you’re thinking about applying – just go for it.” 

“I’m not exaggerating when I say that AYO has changed my life… maybe it’ll change yours too. I’ve met so many friends at AYO programs who I now work with professionally—this is your golden gateway to networking paradise.” 

AYO offers a range of programs for young musicians and arts professionals, including: 

• AYO Symphonists – for high school-aged musicians 

• National Music Camp – a two-week orchestral and chamber music intensive 

• Australian Youth Orchestra flagship orchestra   

• Media and Communications, Orchestral Management, Sound Production, and Arts Administration – for those passionate about the arts beyond performance 

AYO participants come from all over Australia – from big cities to remote towns. Whether you’re a performer or someone passionate about the arts behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here. 

So if you’re thinking about applying again, do it. You’ve already taken the first step. Let this be the year you go further.