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, Indie to Rap.

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 2008 recipients here.

Q: When can I submit my entry for the 2009 International Young Soloists Award?
A: Now! For information on how to apply, visit www.vsarts.org/x2283.xml

Q: What is the deadline for submissions?
A: Entries from U.S. applicants must be received by November 15, and entries from international applications 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 arts affiliate first? Will I still be considered for the national competition?
A: All VSA arts U.S. affiliates implement their own International Young Soloists Award programs. Applicants must send their entry materials to the appropriate address for their state, found here. 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.