Kennedy Center VSA Young Soloists Award

Each year outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world receive the VSA International Young Musicians Award, $2,000, and the opportunity to perform and participate in professional development and music coaching activities provided by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This program is open to soloists and ensembles of any instrument or genre.

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.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to enter the VSA International Young Musicians Competition you must meet all of the following criteria:

• This competition is open to Domestic Applicants (U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S.); and International Applicants (non-U.S. citizens, including citizens of other countries living in the U.S. such as those on student visas.)
• Entries 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.
  • For ensembles to be eligible, at least one musician must have a disability, and all members must be between the ages of 14-25.
• Entrants must be a musician with a disability.
• Entrants must be age 14-25. Applicants must not be younger than 14 or older than 25 at the time of the application deadline (January 18, 2023). All members of an ensemble must meet the age requirement in order to be eligible.
• 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 (activities will occur July 19-23, 2023). 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 Musicians Competition.

Selection Process and Adjudication Criteria:

An advisory panel comprised of distinguished international music professionals and educators will assist with the selection process.