Applying for the competition

The 2025 competition is open to students studying stringed instruments – violin, viola, cello, double bass – and the harp.

Applications for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, percussion, and timpani will be accepted for the 2026 Bursary Competition.

How to apply

  • step 1
    Select your solo repertoire from the approved list to include in your preliminary audition video recording. No substitutions will be allowed.
  • step 2
    Prepare the orchestral excerpts required for the preliminary round.
  • step 3
    Record your excerpts in one take, record one of your two solos (your choice), combine into a single video, and upload to YouTube.
  • step 4
    Complete and submit the online application form by 5 pm EST on March 3, 2025.

Eligibility criteria

The Bursary and other prizes are open to music students who are following a recognized course of music study in preparation for a career as a professional orchestral musician. 

The applicants must be not less than 16 years of age and not more than 26 years of age as of the closing date for applications.

Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada, and have one of the following close connections to Canada’s National Capital Region (NCR)*:

  • have resided in the NCR during their formative years; or
  • have been living in the NCR and studying at a recognized institution in the NCR or with a recognized orchestral instrument teacher in the NCR for the full academic year immediately prior to applying.

*The National Capital Region (NCR) encompasses the City of Ottawa, Ontario and the City of Gatineau, Québec, and includes surrounding suburban and exurban communities. 

Decision on an applicant’s eligibility rests entirely with the Committee.

Applicant availability: Students applying for the NACO Bursary Competition must be available for both the semi-final and final rounds.

About the application process

What to include with your online application:

  • Link to your preliminary round video audition uploaded to YouTube.
  • Your one-page résumé/CV in PDF format.
  • Your JPG headshot. The photo doesn't need to be of professional quality, but must be a clear, unobstructed headshot.

Status of application/Notice of acceptance

The main form of communication for this competition will be by email. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check email on a regular basis for communications. 

Candidates will be sent notice by email confirming the results of the preliminary round of video auditions approximately 3 weeks after the application deadline. If you move on to the semi-final round, your in-person audition time will be indicated on this notice.