FAQ
Interested in applying for the Berlin Prize for Young Artists? Here are a few of the most commonly-asked questions and what you need to know.
Can I submit a program that uses an accompanist?
All programs must be performed solo without an accompanist. However, your program can include electronics and works that feature other means of accompanying yourself.
I’m a conductor/singer—can I apply? Can my music partner/ensemble and I submit a joint-application?
Unfortunately, we are only open to non-vocal instrumentalists. We cannot accept applications from singers (even if unaccompanied), conductors, or ensembles. Sorry.
Can I change my program after I’ve applied?
You’re welcome to re-submit your application before the deadline (23:59/11:59pm, CET on June 25, 2024). Please send an email to hello@bpfya.com to note which application we should consider—and please try to limit yourself to just one resubmission to avoid confusion.
We cannot accommodate program changes for finalists once they are selected, so please keep this in mind when putting together your application.
Can my program include other media (film, spoken word, dance)?
Yes! (Many of our finalists and winners for #BPFYA2020, #BPFYA2021, and #BPFYA2023 included multimedia components.)
Can my program include my own compositions?
Yes! (Both #BPFYA2021 winners included their own works.)
Can my program include non-classical music?
Yes!
Does my program have to be all-contemporary music?
No! Our finalists’ programs have run the gamut from Bach and Hotteterre to emerging composers.
I don’t have professional video for any of the pieces on my program. Is an iPhone video okay?
Yes. We just want to see and hear you play, no extra points for cinematography. (Just make sure you’re happy with the audio quality.)
I don’t have my diploma; can I send you another proof of recent or current enrollment?
Yes. We accept scans or clear photos of student IDs (as long as they show an expiration date), a letter of confirmation from your university or academic advisor, and—for current students—course registration forms for the current or upcoming semester.
If you were enrolled at a university between 2019 and 2024 but did not graduate, please provide a proof of withdrawal or a letter from your university confirming your dates of enrollment and withdrawal.
If you’re unable to provide any of these, no worries: Email hello@bpfya.com and we’ll work something out.
I didn’t major in music or study at a conservatory. Can I still apply?
Yes! (One of our #BPFYA2021 finalists was on hiatus from medical school.)
Is there an age limit for applications?
While we’re called the Berlin Prize for Young Artists, we recognize that not everyone takes a straight path into a career in music. As long as you are at least 18 years old and are currently studying at the university level or have graduated no later than 2019, you are welcome to apply.
I’m having an issue submitting my application materials.
If WeTransfer isn’t working, please put your application materials into a Google Drive or Dropbox folder and share with hello@bpfya.com. Please make sure to clearly note your name on the folder so that we can match it to your application.
Can you give me feedback on my application if I’m not selected?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to offer individual feedback. All applications are evaluated on the basis of curatorial concept, program selection, musicality, and technique.
What if I can’t make it to Berlin for the finals?
All finalists must be able to travel to Berlin for the finals, November 7-8, 2024. (European finalists: Plan to arrive the morning of November 7, 2024. Finalists from all other continents: Plan to arrive on November 6. All finalists can travel home following the finals.) If, during the finalist selection process, you are unable to commit to this timeframe, we will have to select a different finalist.
In the event of travel restrictions or other events beyond our control, we will make every good-faith effort to either find a way of getting all finalists to Berlin, or reschedule if necessary (this was the case with the finals for both #BPFYA2020 and #BPFYA2021 owing to the pandemic).
Do I have to pay for my trip to the finals?
Travel costs for the finalists (including transportation and two nights in a three-star hotel) are covered by the competition’s organization. If a finalist can get to Berlin in under eight hours, we kindly ask them not to fly.
What if I need a visa to travel to the finals?
If you require a visa to travel to Germany, you must obtain your visa from a German Consulate in your country of residence at your own expense. We can provide confirmation of your participation.
See more information on travel requirements (including insurance for health, luggage, instruments, and other personal property) in our Rules section under Sections 5 (Travel and Accommodation) and 8 (Rights/Fine Print).
What if I win but I don’t want one of the prizes or cannot attend a time-bound prize?
Unfortunately we are unable to make substitutions on prizes.
I have another question not covered here.
Please email hello@bpfya.com, and we’ll do our best to respond within 24 business hours.
FAQ
Interested in applying for the Berlin Prize for Young Artists? Here are a few of the most commonly-asked questions and what you need to know.
Can I submit a program that uses an accompanist?
All programs must be performed solo without an accompanist. However, your program can include electronics and works that feature other means of accompanying yourself.
I’m a conductor/singer—can I apply? Can my music partner/ensemble and I submit a joint-application?
Unfortunately, we are only open to non-vocal instrumentalists. We cannot accept applications from singers (even if unaccompanied), conductors, or ensembles. Sorry.
Can I change my program after I’ve applied?
You’re welcome to re-submit your application before the deadline (23:59/11:59pm, CET on June 25, 2024). Please send an email to hello@bpfya.com to note which application we should consider—and please try to limit yourself to just one resubmission to avoid confusion.
We cannot accommodate program changes for finalists once they are selected, so please keep this in mind when putting together your application.
Can my program include other media (film, spoken word, dance)?
Yes! (Many of our finalists and winners for #BPFYA2020, #BPFYA2021, and #BPFYA2023 included multimedia components.)
Can my program include my own compositions?
Yes! (Both #BPFYA2021 winners included their own works.)
Can my program include non-classical music?
Yes!
Does my program have to be all-contemporary music?
No! Our finalists’ programs have run the gamut from Bach and Hotteterre to emerging composers.
I don’t have professional video for any of the pieces on my program. Is an iPhone video okay?
Yes. We just want to see and hear you play, no extra points for cinematography. (Just make sure you’re happy with the audio quality.)
I don’t have my diploma; can I send you another proof of recent or current enrollment?
Yes. We accept scans or clear photos of student IDs (as long as they show an expiration date), a letter of confirmation from your university or academic advisor, and—for current students—course registration forms for the current or upcoming semester.
If you were enrolled at a university between 2019 and 2024 but did not graduate, please provide a proof of withdrawal or a letter from your university confirming your dates of enrollment and withdrawal.
If you’re unable to provide any of these, no worries: Email hello@bpfya.com and we’ll work something out.
I didn’t major in music or study at a conservatory. Can I still apply?
Yes! (One of our #BPFYA2021 finalists was on hiatus from medical school.)
Is there an age limit for applications?
While we’re called the Berlin Prize for Young Artists, we recognize that not everyone takes a straight path into a career in music. As long as you are at least 18 years old and are currently studying at the university level or have graduated no later than 2019, you are welcome to apply.
I’m having an issue submitting my application materials.
If WeTransfer isn’t working, please put your application materials into a Google Drive or Dropbox folder and share with hello@bpfya.com. Please make sure to clearly note your name on the folder so that we can match it to your application.
Can you give me feedback on my application if I’m not selected?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to offer individual feedback. All applications are evaluated on the basis of curatorial concept, program selection, musicality, and technique.
What if I can’t make it to Berlin for the finals?
All finalists must be able to travel to Berlin for the finals, November 7-8, 2024. (European finalists: Plan to arrive the morning of November 7, 2024. Finalists from all other continents: Plan to arrive on November 6. All finalists can travel home following the finals.) If, during the finalist selection process, you are unable to commit to this timeframe, we will have to select a different finalist.
In the event of travel restrictions or other events beyond our control, we will make every good-faith effort to either find a way of getting all finalists to Berlin, or reschedule if necessary (this was the case with the finals for both #BPFYA2020 and #BPFYA2021 owing to the pandemic).
Do I have to pay for my trip to the finals?
Travel costs for the finalists (including transportation and two nights in a three-star hotel) are covered by the competition’s organization. If a finalist can get to Berlin in under eight hours, we kindly ask them not to fly.
What if I need a visa to travel to the finals?
If you require a visa to travel to Germany, you must obtain your visa from a German Consulate in your country of residence at your own expense. We can provide confirmation of your participation.
See more information on travel requirements (including insurance for health, luggage, instruments, and other personal property) in our Rules section under Sections 5 (Travel and Accommodation) and 8 (Rights/Fine Print).
What if I win but I don’t want one of the prizes or cannot attend a time-bound prize?
Unfortunately we are unable to make substitutions on prizes.
I have another question not covered here.
Please email hello@bpfya.com, and we’ll do our best to respond within 24 business hours.