Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, between the ages of 14-25 at the time of the application deadline, receive this award. Applicants can apply as instrumental or vocal soloists, or as ensembles. 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. All instruments, including voice, are accepted. To be eligible to enter, applicants must be Domestic Applicants (U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S.) and International Applicants including non-U.S. citizens, including citizens of other countries living in the U.S. such as those on student visas.
Entries must be either a Soloist (instrumental or vocal) or an Ensemble (instrumental or vocal) of two (2) to five (5) members, such as rock bands, chamber ensembles, and choral groups. Previous winners of the VSA International Young Soloists Competition may not apply. Applicants are welcome to apply every year until they win or age out of the competition. If selected, winners must be present for all workshops, rehearsals, and performances in order to accept the award. Performance and professional development opportunities will take place virtually and/or in person as conditions allow. If selected as a finalist, applicants are required to provide proof of age and disability and must be willing to publicly disclose that they have a disability for all materials and public appearances associated with the VSA International Young Soloist competition. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
