Auditions & apply
Participation in AYA Youth begins with an application and artistic review.
We consider the complete application—not a single achievement or performance.
Applicants submit background information, current training details, artistic goals, and discipline-specific audition materials. The AYA Artistic Committee reviews each application with consideration for technical preparation, artistic communication, potential, maturity, readiness, scheduling, and available opportunities.
Selected applicants may be invited to an online conversation, callback, or additional artistic review before a final decision. Previous awards or elite institutional affiliations do not guarantee admission—and their absence does not disadvantage an applicant.
Review the requirements for your discipline
minutes total
Demonstrating technical preparation, musical understanding, and interpretive range.
View requirementsminutes total
Demonstrating time, feel, improvisation, listening, stylistic understanding, and individual voice.
View requirementsminutes total
Appropriate to the applicant’s age, current training, vocal development, and artistic focus.
View requirementsminutes · two videos
A technical or class-based sample, and a solo, variation, or choreographic work.
View requirementsApplicants should
- 01Be engaged in consistent training in the selected discipline
- 02Demonstrate preparation beyond a beginner level
- 03Be able to perform or present completed material
- 04Have the support and consent of a parent or legal guardian
- 05Be willing to follow AYA communication, rehearsal, and conduct expectations
- 06Be able to participate in New York–based activities for a Manhattan performance opportunity
Applications are welcomed from young artists based in the United States and internationally.
A complete application includes
- 01Applicant and parent or guardian information
- 02Primary discipline and area of specialization
- 03Current teacher, coach, studio, school, or ensemble
- 04A short artistic biography and personal statement
- 05Recent audition recordings (two selections)
- 06Repertoire or work information and artistic goals
- 07Headshot or artist photograph, when available
- 08Scheduling and travel information
- 09Parent or guardian acknowledgments
Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
Recordings the committee can evaluate fairly
Applicants will not be evaluated on camera quality, venue, clothing brands, social recognition, or professional editing.
- 01Recordings should have been made within the previous 12 months.
- 02Each selection should be recorded in a continuous take.
- 03Trimming before or after the performance is permitted.
- 04Audio replacement, pitch correction, splicing, and artificial enhancement are not permitted.
- 05The camera should remain stable.
- 06The performer’s face, body, instrument, and relevant movement should remain clearly visible.
- 07Audio should be clear enough to evaluate tone, balance, rhythm, diction, or movement detail.
- 08Professional studio recording is not required.
- 09Do not add visual filters, decorative titles, or promotional editing.
- 10Accompaniment should be included when artistically appropriate.
- 11Video links should remain accessible throughout the review period.
- 12Unlisted links are accepted; include passwords in the application where required.
Begin an inquiry
This form begins an inquiry with the AYA Youth team. It should be completed with a parent or legal guardian. Fields marked * are required.
Prefer email? Write to info@americanyoungartists.org.
Before you apply
01Who can apply?
Young artists who are in consistent training in classical instrumental music, jazz instrumental music, voice, or dance, and who can perform or present completed material. Applications are welcomed from the United States and internationally; a Manhattan performance opportunity requires the ability to take part in New York–based activities.
02Do I need previous competition results or a conservatory affiliation?
No. Previous awards or elite institutional affiliations do not guarantee admission—and their absence does not disadvantage an applicant. The committee reviews the applicant’s work, preparation, potential, and maturity.
03Does AYA Youth replace my teacher?
No. AYA Youth complements a participant’s primary teacher, studio, school, or conservatory with carefully planned artistic and performance experiences. Where appropriate, families may involve a teacher or coach in repertoire planning and preparation.
04What happens after I apply?
The AYA Artistic Committee reviews the complete application. Selected applicants may be invited to an online conversation, a callback, or an additional artistic review before a final decision. Accepted artists and families receive a written invitation outlining placement and next steps.
05How are recordings evaluated?
On the work itself: tone, rhythm, technique, interpretation, communication, and preparation for musicians and singers; technique, musicality, movement quality, and performance presence for dancers. Applicants are not evaluated on camera quality, venue, clothing brands, social recognition, or professional editing.
06Who receives official communication?
Official communication is directed to the parent or guardian named in the application. Applicants participate with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
07When are applications reviewed?
On a rolling basis. Programming, venues, dates, repertoire, and formats are subject to artistic review and change, and submitting an application does not guarantee a callback, admission, or performance.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a callback, admission, or performance.