Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Auditions & Ensembles
- When can my child join PYP?
String musicians as young as nine years old are invited to audition for the Portland Youth String Ensemble (PYSE). Younger children may only audition for PYSE if they are invited to do so by the conductors.
Musicians of all other instruments are invited to audition for our Portland Youth Wind Ensemble (PYWE), Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO), and Philharmonic orchestra (PYP). We are accepting musicians performing at grade level 2 and up.
- What ensemble would be a good fit for my child?
We have four core ensembles under the umbrella of PYP. Depending on skill level and instrument, our panel of conductors will determine which ensemble is the best fit. Many of our musicians start in our youngest ensemble Portland Youth String Ensemble or Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and advance from there.
- What do musicians need to prepare for auditions?
Strings, woodwinds, and brass are required to prepare the following:
One major and one minor scale with corresponding arpeggios in keys of your choice. Winds and brass: 1-2 octaves; strings: 2-3 octaves.
A short solo piece (an “étude” or excerpt from a concerto or sonata). The solo piece need not be memorized but must be played without accompaniment.
Audition Tip: Know your scales and arpeggios!
- When are auditions?
May and June In-Person Audition Dates:
May 22, 2025 - June 13, 2025
If you are currently in the 8th grade or younger and play a wind instrument, please consider a video audition, due on June 12, 2025
August wind and string auditions are TBD.
August percussion auditions times are TBD but, they will be held at the percussion coach’s studio. If you are a percussionist that is interested in joining PYP, Please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for further instructions.
Learn more about audition dates.
Note: In some cases, musicians can also audition in the middle of a season. Please reach out to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information on mid-season auditions.
- What free or low cost programs can my musician participate in if they are not ready to audition?
PYP has several free community programs musicians can take advantage of when preparing to take the next step in their musical journey.
- What are the requirements once you get into an ensemble?
By the first rehearsal, you must have a private teacher. If you do not have one, consult our Private Teacher list.
All PYP musicians are expected and encouraged to participate in their school music programs, when available.
Tuition, Expenses, & Financial Aid
- Does PYP offer financial aid?
Yes! We can help with tuition! No musician is turned away for lack of ability to pay. We believe that great music education should be accessible to every child. We provide need-based tuition assistance, as well as financial support for private lessons, instrumental rental, concert attire, and other expenses as needed.
PYP offers payment plans, as well as financial aid packages that may also include support for private lessons, music instrument rental, concert attire, and other expenses. After your musician passes the audition and is placed in an ensemble, you will receive an enrollment packet, including a financial aid application.
- Where can I rent an instrument?
If you would like to rent an instrument, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and she can help answer questions on cost and processes.
- How much is tuition?
The following tuition prices were for Season 101 (2024-2025). Tuition prices may change in between seasons.
- Portland Youth String Ensemble (PYSE) - $1,400
- Portland Youth Percussion Ensemble (PYPE) - $1,500
- Portland Youth Wind Ensemble (PYWE) - $1,500
- Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO) - $1,500
- Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) - $1,700
Note: Musicians who are enrolling in the PYP program for the first time have a one-time $50 enrollment fee. This fee is waived for musicians who are eligible for the Federal Free/Reduced Meal program.
Rehearsals & Curriculum
- Where is practice held and how often?
All ensembles rehearse at Jackson Middle School (10625 SW 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97219) once per week. If your child is in more than one ensemble, you will be required to attend each relevant rehearsal.
Other Questions
- What instruments qualify for your various ensembles?
We accept all instruments in the orchestra for our Conservatory Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Who can I talk to about getting signed up for private lessons?
First check out our private teacher list by clicking the button below.
If you have other questions, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).