Career call for young musicians

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is inviting young musicians from around Australia to apply now for its 2025 programs.

The AYO offers tailored training and performance programs for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators and music journalists aged 12 to 30.

Chief executive officer Kimbali Harding said the AYO training pathway aimed to nurture the musical development of young people across metropolitan and regional Australia and that regional, rural and First Nations musicians are encouraged to apply.

“From emerging, gifted, school-aged students to those on the verge of a professional career, we are encouraging those with the right skills to apply for our programs.”

Ms Harding said the AYO had low student/teacher ratios and is delivered in purpose-built facilities to ensure the highest possible level of learning and training.

“Our close work with industry also leads to excellent employment outcomes, with many students entering orchestral and non-orchestral careers like sound production, orchestral management, or composition.

“Each of our programs caters to Australia’s finest young musicians at varying stages of their development.

“Many start as young as 12 and follow the AYO training pathway from start to finish, while others select individual programs that complement their study schedule.

“We offer the flexibility to pick and choose the programs that suit you best.”

Successful applicants to AYO are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

“We are committed to ensuring that all eligible musicians can participate in our programs, regardless of financial and geographic barriers,” Ms Harding said.

AYO boasts an extraordinary roll call of alums, including ARIA award winner Nigel Westlake, Brett Yang and Eddy Chen of TwoSet Violin fame, and Justin Julian, who, at 26, has just won the Principal Viola position with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

AYO is part of Arts8, one of the eight organisations critical to successfully delivering the national cultural policy, Revive.

Applications close on July 31 at ayo.com.au/training-programs