Scholarship Value: $2,000
Awards Available: 4
Award Deadline:
Jan 7, 2026
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world are selected to receive the VSA International Young Musicians Award. This program is open to soloists and ensembles of any instrument or genre, including classical, jazz, Hip Hop, rock and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifies as a disability?
A: Disability is a broad umbrella that covers a variety of lived experiences. Eligible young musicians may have visible, physical, and/or sensory conditions, as well as less visible conditions like anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness/pain, PTSD, dyslexia, neurodivergence, and more. Review definitions of disability associated with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act.
Q: How old do you have to be to enter?
A: You must be between 14 and 25 years old at the time of the application deadline to be eligible.
Q: I’m in a band, does that count?
A: Yes! Any musical ensemble, including bands, of two to five members can enter so long as all members meet the age requirements and at least one member of the ensemble has a disability. Only members of the ensemble with disabilities are eligible for the financial stipends.
Q: When do the 2026 activities take place?
A: Activities at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. will occur July 23-27, 2026. Virtual sessions will occur April 25, May 30, and June 27. There will be additional virtual activities scheduled in consultation with program participants and their assigned mentors.
Q: What is included in the application?
A: The application asks for some basic contact information, a short statement (no more than 250 words) about your musical background and why you feel you would benefit from the program, and 3 videos of you performing.
Q: What type of musical selections should I submit?
A: We suggest the following guidelines for selecting musical submissions:
The application requires links to the applicant(s) performing three (3) music selections. Each selection may be up to 10 minutes in length. Do your best to show your range as a performer. Award winners perform live. Submit recordings that accurately represent you in a recent live performance (in the last year).
The application platform only accepts YouTube of Vimeo links. Please contact us if you require an accommodation.
Q: I tried uploading my musical selection YouTube links and I got an error message. Why did that happen?
A: YouTube links must be in the full "youtube.com" format. Links in the shortened "youtu.be" format (provided when using the "share" button or posting as an unlisted videos) are not recognized by the system. If you receive an "Unsupported Format" error, you may correct this by copying and pasting the link in a new window. Copy the full "youtube.com" address in the new window and upload it to the application system.
If you have tried this process and are still receiving an error message, please contact us.
Q: I need more information. Who do I contact?
A: Join our Application 101 Webinar occurring Tuesday, October 21 at 7pm ET for more answers to frequently asked questions and tips on how to put together a successful application. For more information or to request application materials in an alternative format, we can be reached at 202-416-8898 (voice) or via e-mail at vsainfo@kennedy-center.org.
How to Apply:
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Scholarship Value: $2,000
Awards Available: 4
Award Deadline: Jan 7, 2026