About the VSA International Young Soloists Competition
The VSA International Young Soloists Competition annually recognizes outstanding young musicians with disabilities and supports and encourages them in their pursuit of a career. A committee of distinguished music professionals selects up to four winners, ages 14-25; two from the United States and two from the international arena. These emerging musicians receive $2,500, professional development opportunities, and a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Any musician who has a disability, age 14-25, is eligible to apply as either a domestic applicant (U.S. citizen or legal resident) or an international applicant (from outside the United States, including citizens of other countries living in the U.S. such as those on student visas). The competition is open to both individual musicians and ensembles of two to five members. In order for ensembles to be eligible, at least one member must have a disability, all members must be age 14-25, and all members must meet the criteria for either domestic or international applicants (i.e. an ensemble applying as an international applicant must be comprised of all international members).
All genres of music are accepted, including-but not limited to-classical, jazz, hip-hop/rap, rock/alt rock, pop, indie, bluegrass, folk, country, R&B/blues, Latin, and World.
Watch the 2012 International Young Soloists' performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
How to Apply
All applicants will apply online through Artsapp, an independent company unaffiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. All requirements for the International Young Soloist Competition are posted on this site, as well as in the VSA International Young Soloists Competition Guidelines.
The deadline for submission is January 29, 2013. Prospective applicants must be prepared to post their materials before the deadline as late materials will not be accepted.
Please review the VSA International Young Soloists Competition Guidelines carefully before submitting an application. Download a copy of the 2013 application guidelines.
