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Summary at a Glance
Audition for LAYP Summer Season 2026: Concert Dates
- Summer Concert 1: TBD; June, 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Summer Concert 2: TBD; July, 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Summer Concert 3: TBD; Aug. 2026 at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- You may choose to participate in one (single), two (out of three), or all three concerts. Each concert presents a different program.
Audition Process: Online
- Step 1: Contact Information Form/Audition Application Form
- Step 2: Audition Video Submission Form
Audition Windows: Open Dates
- LAYP Piano Concerto Competition: Aug. 30 – Dec. 23 each year
- Early Audition for LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir: Aug. 30 – Dec. 23 each year
- Regular Audition for LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir: Jan. 15 – March 15 each year
- Late Audition for LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir: case-by-case
Audition Video Submission Deadlines: Due Dates
- LAYP Piano Concerto Competition: Dec. 23 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (early): Dec. 23 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (regular): March 15 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (late): case-by-case
- LAYP Symphony Chorus: March 15 each year or TBA
Audition Results: Notification Dates (via email)
- LAYP Piano Concerto Competition: Jan. 15 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (early): Jan. 15 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (regular): April 15 each year
- LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir (late): case-by-case
- LAYP Symphony Chorus: April 15 each year or TBA
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Audition Process
Step 1: Contact Information Form/Audition Application Form
Step 2: Audition Video Submission Form
Audition for LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir: Click Here to apply. Once you complete the application form, you will receive the video submission form.
You will need to sign in to Google to complete these forms. If you do not have a Google account, click here to create one.
Notes: In rare cases, some applicants insist they have submitted the Google Form, but we have not received it. To address this technical issue, we ask that you forward us a copy of your submitted responses. The form is set up to automatically send you a confirmation email with a copy of completed Google Form after submitting this form. This step will ensure that the form is fully completed and submitted properly.
Audition for one of the following honor groups:
- Summer Season Youth Orchestra (5th-12th school grade)
- Summer Season Youth Band (7th-12th school grade)
- Summer Youth Choir (SATB Singers; 5th-12th school grade)
Participation is available in the following groups and concerts:
- Orchestra: Summer Season Concert 1, 2, 3 or all are available.
- Band: Summer Season Concert 1, 2, 3 or all are available.
- Choir (SATB Singers): Summer Concert 1, 2 or both are available.
- Symphony Chorus: Summer Concert 1, 2, or both are available.
Note: Each concert presents a different program, offering diverse repertoire and musical experiences. You may choose to participate in one (single), two (out of three), or all three concerts.
LAYP Piano Concerto Competition (5th-12th school grade): Click Here and provide your contact information in order to receive the application & video submission forms. You will need to sign in to Google to complete these forms. If you do not have a Google account, click here to create one.
Notes: In rare cases, some applicants insist they have submitted the Google Form, but we have not received it. To address this technical issue, we ask that you forward us a copy of your submitted responses. The form is set up to automatically send you a confirmation email with a copy of completed Google Form after submitting this form. This step will ensure that the form is fully completed and submitted properly.
The winners are invited to perform a concerto with the LAYP Orchestra at either Walt Disney Concert Hall or Thayer/Zipper Concert Hall on the Colburn School campus.
Audition for Symphony Chorus (for college students, adults singers, conductors, & directors only): Click Here and provide your contact information in order to receive the application & video submission forms. You will need to sign in to Google to complete these forms. If you do not have a Google account, click here to create one.
- For college students or adult singers only: You can apply for LAYP Symphony Chorus.
- For choir director/conductors only: School choirs, children’s choirs, youth choirs, and community choirs are welcome to apply to participate as part of the symphony chorus.
- For 5th– 12th grade students: Please apply for the LAYP Orchestra | Band | Choir. Once accepted, you will participate in both the SATB Youth Choir and the Symphony Chorus.
Teachers/Directors/Educators
How do I nominate my students?
- Guide your students to provide their contact information using the link above to receive the audition application & video submission forms.
- Provide your students with your email address and phone number so they can include your contact information as their nominator when completing the application & video submission forms.
Please note that a recommendation letter or nomination card is NOT required but optional. If you prefer to nominate your students using our nomination form, please click here.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Timeline & Age Requirement
Q: What is the audition timeline?
A: Here is our typical calendar.
- August 30: Audition application opens
- December 23: Audition video submission deadline (piano & early)
- January 15: Piano Concerto Competition/early results notified via email
- March 15: Audition video submission deadline for orchestra | band | choir
- April 15: Audition results for orchestra | band | choir notified via email
- April-May-June: Music sent to the accepted performers
- May-June-July: The accepted performers individually prepare
- Intensive Rehearsals: Highly focused rehearsals prior to the concert
- Tutti Rehearsal: All ensembles together on the day before the concert.
Q: What is the age/grade range?
A: The auditions are open to the students in 5th– 12th school grade for orchestra | choir and 7th-12th school grade for band.
- For piano, violin, cello, and voice only: Younger students below 5th grade, who have been playing an instrument or singing in a choir at an earlier age and have reached a playing level of 10-12 with distinction in the LAYP syllabus, may apply for the audition.
| Grade | Age |
| 12 | 17-18 |
| 11 | 16-17 |
| 10 | 15-16 |
| 9 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 13-14 |
| 7 | 12-13 |
| 6 | 11-12 |
| 5 | 10-11 |
| 4 | 9-10 |
| 3 | 8-9 |
| 2 | 7-8 |
| 1 | 6-7 |
| K | 5-6 |
Q: I am a student currently in college. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes, the LAYP Summer Program is open to college students. When you fill out the form regarding your current school grade, select “freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.”
Q: Can you tell me more about Late Audition?
A: If you missed the early or regular audition slots, we offer an opportunity to schedule a late audition. To arrange one, please contact us at layouthphil@gmail.com. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can make it challenging to audition on time. After March 15, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on availability. Please note that some sections may already be at full capacity by this time, limiting openings. We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot!
Audition Requirements
Q: Do you provide a list of suggested audition repertoire?
A: Yes. You can find it on our website. Under the LAYP menu, click the Repertoire (Audition) submenu.
Q: What is the normal length of an audition video?
A: It depends on your repertoire. For example, a Level 5–6 violinist performing a fast Vivaldi concerto movement typically plays 4–5 minutes. Scales and arpeggios take 30 seconds to 1 minute. Total length is often around 5–7 minutes.
Q: Do all pieces need to be recorded in one sitting?
A: No. If “in one sitting” means one continuous take without breaks, that is not required. You may record each piece separately.
Q: May I apply on multiple instruments (e.g., piano & organ, violin & viola, flute & piano)?
A: Yes. Multiple applications are accepted. You must submit a separate application form for each instrument, except for flute and piccolo, which may be submitted together.
Q: I have a schedule conflict with the video submission deadline. May I request an extension?
A: No. Extensions cannot be granted for any published deadlines.
Playing Level
Q: How can I determine my playing level?
A: Here is a guideline for the LAYP Playing Levels.
| LAYP Playing Level | CM Level | RCM Grade | ABRSM Grade |
| 5-6 | 4-5 | 4-5 | 3-4 |
| 7-10 | 6-8 | 6-8 | 5-6 |
| 11-12 | 9-11 | 9-10 | 7-8 |
Our Playing Level 5-6 are similar to RCM Grade 4-5 or ABRSM Grade 3-4
Our Playing Level 7-10 are similar to RCM Grade 6-8 or ABRSM Grade 5-6
Our Playing Level 11-12 are similar to RCM Grade 9-10 or ABRSM Grade 7-8
CM syllabus can be purchased at the MTAC Teacher Portal store.
Click here to see RCM syllabus.
Click here to see ABRSM syllabus. Click here to ASTACAP syllabus
- Click Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Piano/Organ, or Honor Choir/Voice to determine your LAYP playing level.
Q: I am participating in a certificate or competition program other than CM, RCM, ABRSM, ASTACAP, SYMF, Satori, WMCF, etc. How can I determine my playing level in this case?
A: Discuss this playing level information (above) with your private instructor, teacher, or director. They will easily determine your playing level by referring to this chart.
Returning Students
Q: I am a returning student. Do I need to apply for the audition again?
A: Yes, all returning and new students must take an audition every year.
Tuition, Ticket Sale, & Donation
Q: What, if any, tuition is involved?
A: The audition application fee is $85.50 per student (non-refundable). Additionally, there is a registration fee of $256.50 for each qualified student who successfully passes the audition. This fee, for each performer, will contribute partially to the expenses of the summer program and production. Please note that the Piano Concerto Competition and Orchestral Soloist Audition may have different fees compared to this audition.
Beginning with the 2026 Summer Season, in order to meet the rising costs of presenting our concerts at the highest artistic and professional level, there will be an additional season tuition. This tuition will vary depending on the estimated production costs for that season and will ensure that we can continue providing students with a world-class performance experience.
Q: When do you sell concert tickets?
A: The Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office will start selling tickets 4-6 weeks prior to the concert.
Q: I am an accepted LAYP performer. Do I need a ticket for the concert?
A: No! You will receive a backstage pass when you complete all the requirements.
Q: Do you accept donations?
A: We appreciate donations as the fees and ticket sales alone are insufficient to cover the expenses of the summer program and concert production.
Rehearsals
Q: Where will the rehearsal be held?
A: The rehearsals take place at a school or church in Pasadena, Downtown LA, or online.
Q: Do you have any other information regarding the frequency, duration, or schedule of rehearsals?
A: There will be one online rehearsal, three intensive in-person rehearsals, and one tutti in-person rehearsal prior to the concerts. Each rehearsal lasts approximately four to eight hours. The proposed schedule includes an online rehearsal two weeks before the concert day, three consecutive Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday rehearsals from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM for orchestras/bands during concert week, and three Sunday rehearsals from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM for choirs leading up to the concert. The finalized rehearsal schedules will be confirmed in April or May each year.
Performance
Q: When are the summer concert dates?
A: We typically hold concerts in June, July, and August, but the schedule may be subject to change based on the availability of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The concert dates will be tentatively scheduled in October or November, with confirmation expected in March.
Q: Where do the summer concerts take place?
A: Walt Disney Concert Hall (Physical Address: 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012)
Q: Can you provide any information as to what/how many pieces each ensemble will be doing?
A: The repertoire will include original concert pieces, concertos, vocal pieces, & arrangements. Each group will have a performance of approximately 20-30 minutes, which includes the stage walk-in/out process.
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: Is it alright if I am also a member of another symphonic/orchestral/choral organization?
A: Yes! It is a summer season program.
Q: Would a classical guitarist be included?
A: The guitar is not included in the orchestra, but we would love to perform a piece for guitar solo and orchestra. Classical guitar students may apply for a potential soloist position. If the repertoire calls for orchestral harp, it may be substituted with guitar. If harp is not part of the repertoire, both harpists and guitarists can participate in the Chamber Music Series following the summer season.
Q: Is this audition open to the students living in the LA area? Can students in other states apply for it?
A: It is open to all around the world.
Q: Do you offer housing options for students not in the near vicinity?
A: We do not provide housing for non-local students. If you are traveling from another state or country, you will need to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements. Websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Expedia can help you find suitable options.
Similarly, we do not offer housing to California residents who live far from Los Angeles. You will need to arrange your own accommodations, whether by booking a hotel or exploring other lodging options in the area.
Youth Philharmonic Orchestra | Band | Choir 