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.
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 high school students – Regional winners advance to the state contest in Ellensburg, held annually in late April.
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.
Chamber Music Programs – Seattle Chamber Music Society
Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) Youth Academy
An elite program for serious young string players ready to grow through focused chamber music study and collaboration. This is an incredible opportunity for motivated students to immerse themselves in the artistry, teamwork, and discipline of chamber music—while having fun and building friendships with like-minded peers.
Online Competitions – Video Submission & Remote Adjudication
Online music competitions allow students to participate by submitting pre-recorded performance videos. Many offer written feedback, certificates, category prizes, and occasional showcase invitations. Always verify current rules, repertoire, age divisions, and deadlines on each competition’s website before applying.
National Online Competitions – Opus Music Competition
Submit performance videos online for recognition at the state and national levels, with opportunities for scholarships and professional advancement.
Opus Music Competition
One of the largest and most reputable music competitions in the United States, dedicated to identifying and nurturing exceptional young musical talent. Operating at both state and national levels, the competition provides a rigorous platform for emerging musicians to showcase their skills and advance through various stages.
OPUS laureates have gone on to win top honors at national and international competitions, and many have secured scholarships to prestigious music schools and universities worldwide. Managed by The OPUS Organization, the competition is committed to fostering excellence in young musicians and supporting their continued growth and success.
National Competitions – YoungArts Classical Music
One of the most prestigious national competitions for high school musicians, offering recognition, mentorship, and advancement opportunities.
YoungArts – Classical Music
Founded in 1981, YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. YoungArts is one of the most prestigious national competitions for high school students across 10 artistic disciplines.
The Classical Music category is open to orchestral instrumentalists and composers. Winners are invited to National YoungArts Week in Miami and become eligible for ongoing creative opportunities, professional development, grants, and recognition such as the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
International Online Competitions – Golden Classical Music Awards - Perform at Carnegie Hall
Compete internationally via online submissions for the chance to perform live at Carnegie Hall.
Golden Classical Music Awards
An international competition open to all nationalities and ages in strings, piano, wind, and vocal. Each discipline is divided into categories: Young Musician (≤8), Junior (9–12), Intermediate (13–15), Advanced (16–18), and Senior (no age limit).
Chamber music is divided into: Group A (≤12), Group B (13–18), and Group C (18+).
Winners perform in the Winners' Concerts at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall in December.