Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program
Each year outstanding musicians with disabilities from around the world are selected to participate in the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program. This opportunity is open to soloists and ensembles of any instrument or genre including classical, jazz, hip-hop, rock and more!
A Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program
About the Program
"This program is making my goals a reality"—2023 Participant
Each year outstanding disabled musicians from around the world are selected to participate in the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program. In addition to receiving financial stipends, these talented young musicians (ages 14-25) participate in professional development workshops and performance opportunities.
This program is open to U.S. and international musicians (soloists or ensembles) of any genre or instrument, including voice. Multiple winners will be selected by a panel of music professionals.
The program includes:
- Sessions with a professional mentor
- Performance at the Kennedy Center
- Exclusive workshops covering key music business-related topics
- Networking opportunities
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Application Information
Applications for the 2026 program are due Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
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: Watch the recording of our recent Application 101 Webinar 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 [email protected].
Funder Credit
For U.S. participants, the content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this program. The content of this program may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this program does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This program is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
The Vice President of Education is generously endowed by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Genesis Inspiration Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.