PYSO Auditions for NEW Members
Annual Auditions for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-27 have concluded.
New Member applications for the 2027-28 season will open in January of 2027.
Important Information about PYSO Annual Auditions:
The PYSO Annual Audition is a two-tiered process:
- Preliminary Audition is comprised of an audio only (no video) audition that will be reviewed by the Music Director and Sectional Coach(es).
- Preliminary Audition deadline for applications and submission is 11:59 PM on TBD.
- Live Audition is by invitation only and will follow the preliminary auditions. Applicants will be notified of results for their preliminary audition no later than TBD.
- Live auditions will take place at Heinz Hall from 4 to 9 PM on Monday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 5. Students unable to attend their live audition will have the option to submit a video recording of their audition.
Scroll down from more information about recording guidelines, music excerpts, application information, and membership information.
Online Application & Preliminary Audition Guidelines (Audio Only)
Audio Submission Guidelines
- Preliminary Audition deadline for applications and submission is 11:59 PM on TBD.
- Email the recording to info@pyso.org and write “Preliminary audition submission” in the subject header.
- Preliminary auditions are by audio recording only.
- MP3 and MP4 files preferred
- Ensure that acoustics are adequate.
- Recording with personal or home devices is perfectly acceptable. Professional recordings are not necessary. Do not edit after recording. Recordings should be continuous. If you have a false start, wait 3 seconds and begin again.
- Recording should begin with up to 2 minutes from a solo selection (e.g. concerto, advanced etude, etc. with no piano accompaniment) in your repertoire that shows your technical abilities. Fast movements only – please do not submit slow movements. If you do not have a prepared solo selection in your repertoire, you must get prior approval for your solo piece by emailing us at info@pyso.org with the composer and name of the piece.
- Next, record the first two orchestral excerpts listed in the PYSO Music Excerpt List (in the dropdown link below).
- Title the audio recording with instrument and full name as in, Violin – John Doe.
- Solo and the two music excerpts should be on ONE recording.
- Remember to fill out the online audition application after you have submitted your preliminary recording (audio NOT video).
- Preliminary auditions are blind. Names and other information will be deleted from the files so that the PYSO Music Director and PYSO Coaches do not know to whom they are listening.
Live Auditions
Live auditions for the 2026-27 season have concluded.
Audition results will be emailed no later than 5 PM on Friday, May 22.
Roster for the 2026-26 season will be posted no later than 5 PM on Friday, May 22nd on the For Members page of our website.
PYSO Music Excerpt List
Below are music excerpts, click on the instrument link you need:
| VIOLIN | HORN | |
| VIOLA | TRUMPET | |
| CELLO | TROMBONE (TENOR) | |
| BASS | TROMBONE (BASS) | |
| FLUTE/PICCOLO | TUBA | |
| OBOE/ENGLISH HORN | PIANO | |
| CLARINET | HARP | |
| BASSOON | PERCUSSION | |
Harp, Piano, and Percussion Candidates
Harpists, Pianists, and Percussionists interested in auditioning please email the PYSO Office at info@pyso.org, typing “harp”, “piano”, or “percussion” in the subject header. Include your full name and phone number in the body of the text and we will respond with specific audition information for your instrument.
Membership Information
Annual Membership dues for the 2026-27Season of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra will be $850.
Financial assistance for Membership Dues are accessible for all students.
- Over 30 weeks of rehearsals and activities every season
- Full-length concerts at Heinz Hall and other venues
- Rehearsals on Heinz Hall stage
- Sectional rehearsals with Coaches from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Diverse programming including the major symphonic repertoire, contemporary works, non-traditional works, and new works.
- Annual Concerto Competition for members. Competition winner performs with PYSO at Heinz Hall
- Conducting Workshops and Competition with PYSO Music Director. Competition winner performs with PYSO at Heinz Hall.
- Workshops and Masterclasses with visiting PSO Guest Artists.
- Chamber music opportunities with Youth Chamber Connection.
- Scholarships are also available for other financial and musical needs.