The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Undergraduate Music Fellowship program is a full scholarship award for Membership Dues designed for students in the Pittsburgh tri-state area who are either musicians currently attending a music conservatory/college, or a student enrolled at university and still studying their instrument with a private teacher. Maximum age for PYSO members is 20. If a student turns 21 during the season, they may remain in PYSO as a regular member until the end of that season.

In addition to playing in the Orchestra, students with Undergraduate Music Fellowships will be given special opportunities to engage with Pittsburgh Symphony members, to gain leadership skills such as helping to lead audition workshops for high school students.  

There is no preliminary audition, no application fee, and no audition fee. Students need only to show proof of acceptance into a college music program in order to be invited to come for a live audition or submit a video audition. Audition repertoire prepared for the college audition will be accepted and PYSO will not require any additional audition repertoire.

The benefits of membership in the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra include:

• Performing major symphonic works on the stage of Heinz Hall.
• Coaching from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
• Opportunities for workshops and masterclasses with PSO guest artists.
• Regular international touring.