5th Annual VSAFL Young Soloist Competition

Since 1984, the VSA International Young Soloists Program has been seeking to identify talented musicians who have a disability. The VSA International Young Soloists Award is given annually to four outstanding musicians, two from the United States and two from the international arena, providing an opportunity for these emerging musical artists to each earn a $5,000 award and a performance in Washington, D.C.Florida Affiliate Program

All United States VSA affiliates implement their own Young Soloists Programs. VSA Florida is
proud to announce our 5th annual statewide program featuring the talent of our young musicians. Finalists selected by a panel of judges will be showcased at a Florida Orchestra “Concert in the Park” this fall. Additionally, these finalists will represent Florida by having their musical entries sent to Washington, DC to compete in the VSA International Young Soloist Program.

Eligibility

Any individual musician (instrumental or vocal) from the United States who has a disability, age 25 and under is eligible to apply. Individual musicians should complete the Individual Musician Application Form.
Applications from musical ensembles (two to eight members) will be accepted and should complete the Ensemble Application Form. This includes any type of ensemble from a rock band to a chamber ensemble to a drum corps. In order to be eligible, at least one member of the ensemble must have a disability. All members of the ensemble must fulfill age requirements as stated above.

All types of music will be accepted, including but not limited to Rock/Alt Rock, Pop, Indie, Classical, Country/Folk, Jazz, R&B/Blues, Hip Hop/Rap, Latin, and World.

As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (Impairment is a physiological disorder affecting one or more of a number of body systems, or a mental or psychological disorder.)

Selection Process
A panel of knowledgeable and prominent judges comprised of music professionals and educators will assist with the selection process. The 2010-2011 judges included two professional musicians and professors of music from USF and music professor from Hillsborough Community College.
Selection Criteria

The VSA Florida Young Soloists Program selection panel will evaluate each audition recording in the areas of technique, tone, rhythm, interpretation, and intonation (if applicable).

Performance Opportunities

Recipients of the VSA Florida Young Soloists Award will be featured in pre-concert performance at the Fall Florida Orchestra’s “Concert in the Park” in St. Petersburg in October 2011. All travel expenses for winners and their parents are covered by VSA Florida.

Application Procedures Checklist

Please contact Wendy Finklea for an application or you can access the applications on line at www.vsafl.org under Calls for Art. Each applicant is required to submit the following materials: