VSA National Opportunities
VSA Missouri is an affiliate of VSA, The International Organization on Arts and Disability, affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The national organization facilitates opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in and enjoy the arts.
VSA International Young Soloist Award
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. The award provides an opportunity for these emerging musicians to each earn a $5,000 award and a performance in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Any individual musician (instrumental or vocal) from the United States who has a disability, age 25 and under, is eligible to apply. Any individual musician (instrumental or vocal) from outside the United States who has a disability, age 30 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 for the
International Young Soloists Award. 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. The ensemble should complete the Ensemble Application Form.
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. (An impairment is a physiological disorder affecting one or more of a number of body systems, or a mental or psychological disorder.)
Selection Process:An advisory committee comprised of music professionals and educators will assist with the selection process. Selections will be announced in January of each year.
Selection Criteria:The VSA International Young Soloists Award advisory committee will evaluate each audition recording in the areas of technique, tone, rhythm, interpretation, and intonation (if applicable).
In Missouri: State winner and first runner up will be recognized and invited to perform as part if Fine Arts Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City, MO.