International Young Soloists Award Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old do you have to be to enter?
A: You must be between 14 and 25 years old to be eligible for the VSA International Young Soloists Award.
Q: Do you have to have a disability to enter?
A: Yes, unless you are a member of a musical ensemble, in which case only one member of the ensemble must have a disability.
Q: What qualifies as a disability?
A: A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. An impairment is a physiological disorder affecting one or more of a number of body systems, or a mental or psychological disorder.
Q: What type of music do you accept?
A:We accept all musical genres from country to classical, jazz to pop.
Q: I’m in a band, does that count?
A: Yes! Any musical ensemble, including bands, can enter so long as all members meet the age requirements and at least one member of the ensemble has a disability.
Q: When are winners announced?
A: We announce the recipients of this annual award each year in late February.
Q: What type of musical selections should I submit?
A: We suggest you present three recent musical performances, and record your best excerpt first. Applicants must use live accompaniment on the audition recording.
Q: I play more than one instrument. Can I submit a recording that features me playing a different instrument on each of the three tracks?
A: We strongly encourage applicants to submit a recording on which they play only one instrument. This instrument should be whatever you do best. If you consider yourself first and foremost a vocalist, please submit three vocal tracks. If you play both piano and violin but are better at the violin, submit three violin tracks. While the ability to play multiple instruments is impressive, superior performance skills in one instrument are ultimately more important.
Q: I need more information. How do I contact VSA?
A:For more information or to receive a hard copy of the application and guidelines, please feel free to contact the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. We can be reached at 202-416-8898 (voice) or vsainfo@kennedy-center.org.
