International Young Soloists Award Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old do you have to be to enter?
A: If you are from the United States, you must be 25 years old or under. If you are from outside the United States, you must be 30 years old or under.

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 every February. Check out the 2010 recipients here.

Q: When can I submit my entry for the 2011 International Young Soloists Award?
A: Application materials will be available online no later than September 2010. You can view the application materials for the 2010 award here

Q: What is the deadline for submissions?
A: Entries from U.S. applicants must be received by November 15, and entries from international applicants must be received by December 1.

Q: I live in the United States. Why do I have to send my application to my state’s VSA affiliate first? Will I still be considered for the national competition?
A: All VSA U.S. affiliates implement their own International Young Soloists Award programs. Applicants must send their entry materials to the appropriate address for their state. Affiliates send every entry they receive on for consideration in the national competition.

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.