Youth Symphony Orchestras – Greater Seattle Area
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras (SYSO)
Founded in 1942, SYSO serves over 1,100 students annually through four full orchestras. Auditions are held at Shorecrest High School during the third week of August. Rehearsals also take place at Shorecrest High School.
Everett Youth Symphony Orchestras (EYSO)
EYSO offers four skill-based ensembles for musicians ranging from first-time ensemble players to advanced students seeking concerto opportunities. Placement is determined by audition and conductor evaluation.
Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO)
Based in Edmonds, WA, Cascade YSO was founded in 1976 and includes five orchestras: Youth, Junior, Premiere, Sinfonette, and Prep Strings. The program provides progressive training for all levels.
Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO)
BYSO has been serving Eastside youth for over 44 years, with five orchestras: Cadet, Debut, Premiere, Sinfonia, and Youth Symphony. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings at Sammamish High School. Auditions are in early September and January.
Renton Youth Symphony Orchestra (RYSO)
Founded in 1986, RYSO serves students in South King County, offering full orchestra experience with a professional conductor. Students must also participate in a school music program. The program is designed to be affordable and community-focused, helping young musicians grow musically and personally.
Concerto Competitions – Perform with an Orchestra
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition
Ages: 18 & under – Submit a concerto movement to perform with the Vancouver Symphony in WA.
Central Oregon Symphony Young Artist Competition
Ages: Under 19 – Solo with the Central Oregon Symphony. Live audition required in Oregon.
Bellevue Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition
Ages: 8–18 (WA, OR, ID) – Perform a concerto movement with the Bellevue Symphony if selected.
SYAMFA Concerto Division
Grades: 5–12 – Compete in Seattle for a chance to perform with a professional orchestra.
Oregon Mozart Players Young Soloist Competition
Ages: 18 & under – Oregon students or those with Oregon teachers compete to perform with a chamber orchestra.
Bainbridge Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition
Grades: 9–12 – For Washington high school students. Concerto performance opportunity with BSO.
Coeur d’Alene Symphony National Young Artist Competition
Ages: Up to 25 – National competition. Winners perform with orchestra and receive a cash prize in Idaho.
Solo String Competitions – Perform and Receive Feedback
Seattle Young Artists Music Festival (SYAMFA)
Grades: 5–12 – Seattle’s most respected youth music festival with adjudication and masterclasses.
Simon-Fiset Low Strings Competition
Ages: 5–18 – Solo competition for cello and bass in Seattle. Two contrasting pieces required.
MTNA WA State Performance Competition
Ages: Junior (≤14), Senior (15–18) – Start at the state level and advance to national MTNA finals.
WMEA/WIAA State Solo & Ensemble Contest
Open to WA school students – Enter through your music teacher. Regional and state-level competition.
Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (PAFE)
All levels – Bellevue festival. Receive feedback from judges in a non-competitive setting.
Musicfest Northwest – Strings Division
All ages – Spokane-based festival with performance, feedback, and scholarship opportunities.
Korean Music Association Youth Music Scholarship Competition
Grades: 5–12 – Solo competition in Bellevue with scholarship prizes and judge feedback.
National Youth Orchestras – Tuition-Free Summer Programs
NYO2 – Carnegie Hall
Ages: 14–16 – National youth orchestra program with housing, travel, and coaching fully covered.
NYO-USA – Carnegie Hall
Ages: 16–19 – Elite national orchestra that tours internationally. All expenses paid, highly selective.