Auditions and Registration
The Louisville Youth Orchestra serves over 480 students across our eight orchestras and multi-county education programs
Audition are LYO’s way of placing each student in the musical environment that will help them thrive. We have a place for every student at LYO.
How to Get Started
NEW for the 2025-2026, video auditions!
Please read the information on this website carefully. You may email info@lyo.org at any time for assistance.
Tuition for the 2025-2026 Season will be $575. Flexible payment plans are available to all LYO families. Families may apply for need-based Tuition Assistance here. LYO is committed to reducing barriers to participation, including financial obstacles.
To learn more about LYO’s participation policies, see the handbook here.
Step 1 - Determine your excerpts and begin preparing
Auditions include scale(s) and a minimum of two excerpts. Students who would like to be considered for a principal position are required to perform a third (optional) excerpt. Students auditioning for upper level orchestras will also perform a brief solo (student choice). Click the links below for specific audition requirements.
Step 2 - Submit your audition registration form
The registration form is our way of learning everything we need to know about the student and family. Please take special care that all provided contact information is accurate. Data from this registration form is uploaded to our student management database. Any input errors will be carried forward automatically. Click the button below to register and pay the $35 Audition Fee.
Step 3 - Record and submit your audition video
New to 2025, every student will audition via video submission. There are many reasons for the evolution of our process.
- Video auditions ensure that every LYO faculty member are able to hear every audition and return to them as needed. This increases LYO effectiveness in student placement.
- Video auditions allow educators, private teachers, and family members to take part in the audition experience, enhancing student support and success.
- Video submissions will allow for earlier placement and roster announcements, improving efficiency at the start of the season.
- Please note: placement and seating determinations will not be made until all auditions have been heard (after the submission deadline). Early video submission will have no effect on placement/seating determinations.
- Candidates will not be merited or discredited on the production value of their video.
Click here to read the full Video Submission Guidelines.
Video submissions are due on or before Sunday, August 10.
Any families who are unable to record their audition independently, for any reason, may email info@lyo.org. A member of staff will schedule an appointment to assist you with your recording and submission.
