Led by Artistic Director, Christopher Bell,[2] NYCOS says its goal is to: “provide opportunities for young people, teachers and choir directors to support and develop choral singing across Scotland.”[3] NYCOS activities currently include 4 National Choirs,[4] 14 Regional Choirs,[5] Mini Music Makers classes[6] and a range of music educational projects.

The basis of the choirs' activities stems from a residential course where time is split between individual vocal coaching, musicianship sessions and sectional/full rehearsals.

The National Boys' Choir was formed in 2002 with financial support from the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund.

The choir has performed in Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Linlithgow, Londonderry, Paisley and Stirling.

Recent commissions include Tom Cunningham's Saga of the Seven Days and Sheena Phillips' Sea Shanties.

The daily timetable was a mixture of vocal coaching, musicianship training and full choir rehearsals.

At present there are 14 Regional Choirs: Aberdeen, Angus, Dumfries, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Inverness, Isle of Lewis, Midlothian, Perth, Renfrewshire, Stirling and West Lothian – with a membership of over 2,000 children.

NYCOS has an educational remit and runs Kodály Musicianship Training weekends for teachers, choir directors and music specialists.