Application and auditions

To qualify for entry you must still be at school (or sixth form college) in the summer term of the course. It is expected that you will be studying your instrument at a high level and we may request a reference from your teacher. An ability to learn quickly, a passion for music and an enthusiastic attitude are all just as important as grades attained.

To apply, candidates complete the Application Form and send it with a cheque for audition and deposit (see below) to the Administrator by the end of December. (Later entries will be accepted where possible but only where there are still vacancies.)

Applicants are also requested to ask their instrumental teacher to post or email a brief reference.

Applications will be acknowledged and auditions details sent out early in January; auditions will be held around the country in January and February. Late entries will be considered should places be available.

Fees

The fee for the course is £550.

A cheque for £180 should be sent with the application: £30 is the audition fee and £150 a deposit for the course (this will be returned if unsuccessful at audition). For previous players, only the £150 deposit is required with the application.

An invoice for the remainder of the course fee will be sent in March.

All cheques should be made payable to NSSO and sent to the Administrator.

Bursaries

A limited number of means-tested bursaries are available, thanks to generous sponsorship by HSBC Bank plc and support from the Tim Bowles Fund. Please ask the Administrator for an application form once a place has been offered on the course.

Click here to download Application Form (PDF). Please complete and send to the course administrator whose details are on the Contacts page.

For further information please contact enquiries@nsso.org