How to apply

The next round of auditions will take place in Autumn 2010. Forms will be available from late summer.

Am I elegible?

You should be between the ages of 11 and 18 (nine for boys with unbroken voices) in September of the year of application. Successful applicants will normally be offered a minimum of one course in NYC Girls’ Choirs (North/South), NYC Boys Choir, or the Training Choirs (North/South) in the first instance so as to gain awareness of the skills and experience involved in a supportive teaching environment. Outstanding applicants aged 16 and over may be offered an immediate place in the National Youth Choir. (Singing ages: NYC Girls’ Choirs 11 - 15, NYC Boys’ Choir 9 - 14, Training Choirs 13-18; National Youth Choir 16-21, all age ranges are INCLUSIVE.)

Trebles are accepted from age nine, but if you are unsure about a changing voice, apply as normal and our audition panel can consider where best a changing voice will sit in our choirs.


What do I do next?

Once you have completed an application form, you should return it to the Administrator, together with the audition fee of £30. (Please ensure that the form has been fully completed, including passport photo and two venue choices before it is posted.)

Please note that we must receive your application form at least two weeks before your preferred audition date. Auditions are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so please apply early.


NYC bursary funds are available to help you meet audition costs, and if offered a place in a choir, to meet course costs too. Please indicate in the box on the application form if you require more information on this.


How advanced should my singing be?

Competition for places is great, but potential is far more important than achievement. Further information  for teachers/choir conductors is available from the office. Meanwhile please read the guidelines (next page at top left under "auditions").


What happens at the audition?

Held in various centres around the country, each audition lasts up to 10 minutes.

You will be asked to sing:

  •  a minute's worth of music from each of two prepared pieces. There is time for you to warm up your voice and to rehearse with the official accompanist who will help you choose suitable sections of your pieces.
  •  a short phrase to be read at sight. (Please prepare for this, and don't say you are no good at it!)  We will assess both your achievement and your potential.
  •  short games to test your voice, musicianship and your responsiveness.
  • NB  All candidates are asked to sing with the official accompanist who will be an experienced member of our team who can help you through the audition.

Selection for membership is made as soon as possible following audition. It is possible to obtain an audition report on request.


What happens if I am accepted?

We will write in mid December with the outcome of your audition. Successful applicants are invited to join the choir most appropriate to their development. In the case of Training and Junior choirs, places are allocated geographically.

Each Choir meets twice each year on residential courses, usually during school holidays, the National Youth Choir for 10 days, costing in the region of £500. The National Youth Training Choirs for 8 days, costing in the region of £450 and The NYC Girls’ and Boys’ choirs meet twice a year for 4 days, costing in the region of £250.

The National Youth Choir will normally undertake an extended tour every three to four years.

Course fees are linked directly to accommodation costs and are kept as low as possible. Members are encouraged to apply for local grant assistance and we are happy to advise. There is a one-off membership fee of £85 for the National Youth Choir and the National Youth Training Choirs. For the National Youth Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs there is an initial fee of £50 with an additional £35 fee on progression into the Training Choir. This covers all administration costs during your stay in the choirs and also entitles you to a free T-Shirt. Girls joining the National Youth Choir (Senior Choir) will need to purchase a uniform, which will cost £45. Members of the other choirs may also need to purchase certain items through the NYCGB office. Please go to 'Uniforms' on the 'Auditions' tab for information.

During each year there will be two residential courses for each choir, one at Easter and the other in the summer holidays. Each member must attend at least one course every year. Failure to attend two consecutive courses will result in the member being asked to re-audition, to monitor vocal and musical progress.