Why Audition for PYO Music Institute?
When you join PYO Music Institute, one of the nation’s premier youth music programs, you’ll train with world-class mentors, perform in high-caliber concerts, and grow as a musician and leader. From beginner to collegiate level, our ensembles offer guided rehearsals, masterclasses, and personalized development in orchestras, bands, jazz, brass, and strings. Take the stage at prestigious venues, build lasting confidence, and form friendships and a community that will last for years to come.
Use the links below to find ensembles, audition requirements, and tuition details.
PYO Music Institute Programs
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO)
Ages: 15 – 22
Location: PYO Music Institute, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO)
Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO)
Ages: 11 – 17
Location: PYO Music Institute, Philadelphia
Prysm Strings
Main Line
Prysm Strings
New Jersey
Pizzicato Players
Bravo Brass
Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB)
Philadelphia Youth Concert Band (PYCB)
Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO)
Want to see what it’s like inside a program? Come play, meet, and experience it at an upcoming Open Rehearsal!
How to Audition for PYO Music Institute
Auditions for PYO Music Institute are by appointment only. Follow these steps to schedule and prepare for your audition:
Review our orchestras, bands, jazz orchestra, brass ensemble, and string ensembles to determine which program best fits your experience and musical goals.
Fill out the online audition registration form with your preferred audition date and time. Our office will contact you to confirm your scheduled audition.
Download and review the audition information and requirements for your instrument. These details can be found on each ensemble program’s page and will also be provided after completing the audition form.
Arrive at your audition fully prepared and ready to showcase your skills, ensuring you meet all required audition components for your selected ensemble.
Saturday morning rehearsals with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra were the highlight of my junior high and high school years. The ability to perform orchestral masterpieces with top Philadelphia student musicians….was the foundation of my successful career in music.”
Elizabeth Starr Masoudnia
English Horn, The Philadelphia Orchestra
PYO member from 1974-1980
Being a member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra not only taught me important orchestral skills, but more importantly it taught me life skills. It prepared me for my life today as a professional musician. Every Saturday as a high school student, PYO was an affirming experience. It was motivating and reassuring to be around other students who were as obsessed with music as I was.”
Kerri Ryan
Assistant Principal Viola, The Philadelphia Orchestra
PYO member from 1989-1993
PYO was the first real orchestral experience that I ever had. I will never forget my first rehearsal. I never could have imagined the kind of sound and excitement that playing in a symphonic orchestra would give me. To this day, I still LOVE being enveloped by the sound of the orchestra and participating in the process.
Richard Amoroso
Violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra
PYO member from 1985-1987
PYO had a huge impact of my life. It is one of the most important ensemble experiences in my early years as a musician. The conductor then was Joe Primavera who demanded a very high level of the students. We found out what we really had to do to play in an orchestra. If Joe was happy with you, you could play for anyone.
Mark Gigliotti
Co-Principal Bassoon, The Philadelphia Orchestra
PYO member from 1972-1975
PYO Oboist Celia Wojcik Shares Her PYOMI Audition Stories & Tips