AYA Youth/Disciplines

Four disciplines

Each discipline carries its own technical requirements and performance practice. Audition expectations and artistic pathways are shaped by discipline, never by a single standardized model.

01Classical Technical foundation, interpretive depth, and thoughtful programming for dedicated young musicians. Instrumental8–15 minutes 02Jazz Language, listening, improvisation, and the search for an individual voice. Instrumental8–15 minutes 03Voice Healthy development, expressive communication, and age-appropriate repertoire. Singers6–12 minutes 04Dance Technique in service of meaningful movement, across ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz dance. Dancers3–5 + 2–5 minutes

Audition requirements at a glance

What the committee asks to see

Recordings should be recent, continuous, and honest. The committee evaluates the work, not the camera.

01 · Classical Instrumental8–15

minutes total · two contrasting selections

Demonstrating technical preparation, musical understanding, and interpretive range.

Requirements

02 · Jazz Instrumental8–15

minutes total · two contrasting selections

Demonstrating time, feel, improvisation, listening, stylistic understanding, and individual voice.

Requirements

03 · Voice6–12

minutes total · two contrasting selections

Appropriate to the applicant’s age, current training, vocal development, and artistic focus.

Requirements

04 · Dance3–5 + 2–5

minutes · two videos

A technical or class-based sample, and a solo, variation, or choreographic work.

Requirements

Audition video guidelines

How review works

Each discipline is reviewed by artists and educators who work in it. The requirements differ because the traditions differ.

The AYA Artistic Committee reads the complete application⁠—preparation, potential, and maturity⁠—rather than a single result. Previous awards are not required, and their absence does not disadvantage an applicant.

Apply for an audition The program