Audition Polices and Terms & Conditions
AUDITION SELECTION POLICY
ENSEMBLE PROGRAM APPLICATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
2026 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AND EXCERPTS
Detailed audition requirements and excerpts can be found in this link:
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AND EXCERPTS
REHEARSAL VENUE
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
University of Melbourne, Southbank Campus
234 St Kilda Road
Southbank 3006
Iwaki Auditorium
ABC Southbank Centre
120 – 130 Southbank Boulevard,
Southbank 3006
2026 AUDITION FEE
The audition fee for the 2026 Ensemble Program is $106 which is to be paid on application.
The annual participation is subject to the outcome of funding applications and will be confirmed upon the offer of positions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial assistance for the participation fee is available for students who reside outside of metropolitan Melbourne or families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Each year there is a wide range of support available. Details of scholarships and bursaries will be made available with offers for places, so we encourage you to apply for an audition regardless of your current financial circumstances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
APPLICATION FORM
I am a current member of the Ensemble Program, do I need to re-apply for next year?
All applicants MUST complete the 2026 Ensemble Program Application Form whether they wish to stay in the ensemble or audition for a new ensemble.
2025 Current Ensemble Program Members enrolled in the following ensembles can re-enrol in the same ensemble for 2026, without audition. Please note, you will need to submit a 2026 Ensemble Program Application to secure your position.
- Melbourne Youth Junior Strings (MYJS)
- Alexandra Cameron Strings (ACS)
- Melbourne Camerata Strings (MCS)
- Melbourne Youth Strings (MYS)
- Melbourne Youth Concert Band (MYCB)
- John Antill Youth Band (JAYB)
Annual audition requirements apply for: Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings, Melbourne Youth Sinfonia, Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony, Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra, Flagship Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Big Band and Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra who must all re-apply and complete an audition each year.
I made a mistake on my application form. What do I do?
Please email us as soon as possible (myo@myo.org.au ); we will amend your application form for you. Please note that changes after audition times have been allocated will not be possible to accommodate.
I’ve missed the application closing date, can I still apply?
Applications for the 2026 Ensemble Program close at 5pm Friday 17th October. Due to the volume of applications we receive and the availability of our audition panel, we are unable to accept any late applications for the main round of auditions. However, where there are positions available, we may hold late auditions throughout the year. We ask you to apply to our EP Waitlist and will be in contact if a position becomes available in your preferred ensemble(s).
I didn’t receive my application confirmation or audition allocation email, what do I do?
This could be because of a few things:
1) The email may have made it into your junk mail. Check there first.
2) If your audition fee was not paid, your application would not have been finalised.
3) Your email address may have been entered with an error.
If you continue to have issues, please email us (myo@myo.org.au) to look into and amend your application.
I don’t know what AMEB grade I am, what should I put on my application form?
The AMEB grades listed are your guide to the skill level required for each ensemble and are not a formal requirement. If you are not currently undertaking AMEB exams, consult with your teacher as they will know what equivalent standard you are. If you are still unsure, feel free to email (myo@myo.org.au) for advice.
Can I join multiple ensembles?
Yes, members are able to play in more than one ensemble subject to instrument places available and provided they do not run concurrently. If applying for two ensembles on the same instrument, please select “I would like to apply for dual membership” option on your application.
I would like to audition on more than one instrument, what should I do?
Except for those playing auxiliary woodwind instruments, you will need to complete a second application form and pay for a separate audition. We will make every effort to schedule your two auditions as close together as possible. Please complete the application form again (you may use the same email address) for your second instrument.
Can I apply for both a Jazz Orchestra and a Symphonic/Concert Band?
Due to the differing audition requirements, any applicant wishing to apply for both a jazz orchestra and an orchestra/concert band must complete two separate forms and auditions. Please complete the form twice with one form specifying jazz instrument details and the other specifying a band & relevant instrument details. If in doubt, please contact us.
I would like to participate on Piccolo, Cor Anglais, Contrabassoon or Bass Clarinet, how do I apply?
To apply for any of the above instruments, please select it as an auxiliary instrument in addition to a primary instrument. For instance, select Clarinet as your primary instrument and tick Bass Clarinet when prompted.
AUDITION INFORMATION
When will my audition be?
Auditions will be scheduled across two weekends in November/December. In line with adjudicator availability, we anticipate that the below instrument groups will be on the following dates. Please note that dates are subject to change based on application demand. All applicants must complete an in-person audition unless under exceptional circumstances.
Please note this date has been updated: Applicants will be provided an official audition time via email on Tuesday 11 November.
The 2026 Audition dates are Saturday 29th November / Sunday 30th November & Saturday 6th December / Sunday 7th December.
Do I need an accompanist for my audition?
Apart from Jazz auditions, all auditions are performed without accompaniment; therefore an accompanist is neither required nor permitted.
Students wishing to audition for Melbourne Youth Big Band or Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra, must supply backing tracks as listed in the Jazz Audition Requirements.
What do I need to prepare for my audition?
Audition requirements vary by ensemble. Information with specific audition requirements will be sent to you via an automated email once you submit your application form. If you do not receive this information, please email our office (myo@myo.org.au).
How difficult should my own choice work be?
We recommend that you choose a piece/s that best represents your abilities at the time of your audition. We highly recommend choosing a piece you are already working on and are comfortable in performing. Talk to your instrumental teacher if you’re unsure. If you are preparing two works, we recommend selecting contrasting pieces to show off your musical versatility.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Detailed audition requirements and excerpts can be found in this link:
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AND EXCERPTS
I have a disability/require additional access support, what should I do?
MYO wants to ensure that our audition process and programs are accessible to all applicants. By arrangement, MYO will revise individual audition requirements to accommodate the accessibility requirements of any applicant. If you are unable to fulfil the written requirements, please contact us via email (myo@myo.org.au).
I don’t know what to prepare for my audition, what should I do?
If you’re unsure of what to prepare, please refer to your audition requirements document that you received upon applying. Your teacher can also assist in the preparation of your audition or you can contact MYO for further clarification.
AUDITION RESULTS
How/when do I find out my audition results?
Results from auditions will be emailed to applicants in mid-December. If you don’t receive this, please check your junk mail before getting in touch with the office so that we can check your details and resend your results. Remember to confirm your acceptance of any position offered, otherwise, your place may be given to a reserve member in the second round of offers.
Can I get feedback from my audition panel?
Feedback from auditions is not available as information collected through the audition process is private and confidential. We are unable to share any information regarding an applicant’s specific audition result with the applicant, their parents or their teacher. You can also read our full Audition & Selection Policy at the top of this webpage.
AUDITION RECORDING
How do I submit my audition video?
If you are unable to attend your in-person audition for whatever reason, you can request a recorded audition. Please email us at myo@myo.org.au if you are not available for the in-person audition and we can arrange instructions for a recorded audition.
As per the recorded audition guide, recorded auditions will be due 5pm Tuesday 25th November.
