Apply to the
WIYAMS
Artist Program
The Washington International Young Artists Music Series is committed to discovering, supporting, and promoting outstanding young musicians. Designed to nurture talent at different stages of artistic development, the WIYAMS ARTIST Program offers two levels of recognition— WIYAMS YOUNG ARTIST and WIYAMS ARTIST— each providing tailored resources and professional opportunities. Through 3 to 4 thoughtfully curated concerts each season, the program offers selected musicians a high-level performance platform, supporting their growth from emerging student to accomplished professional.
WIYAMS YOUNG ARTIST is a title awarded to highly promising undergraduate musicians who demonstrate strong artistic potential and a commitment to their craft. Musicians selected through a competitive application process and who complete a successful performance on the WIYAMS stage become official members of the WIYAMS ARTIST community. As part of this network, they gain access to exclusive WIYAMS resources and form valuable connections with more advanced artists, fostering mentorship and a sense of continuity in artistic development.
WIYAMS ARTIST is a distinction awarded to graduate-level and early-career musicians on the verge of launching international performing careers. These artists have passed a rigorous selection process and delivered a successful formal performance at one of Washington, D.C.’s leading cultural venues, demonstrating musical excellence at a professional level. WIYAMS ARTIST benefit from a range of career support services, including high-quality concert video production, media promotion, priority invitations to future engagements, and membership in an international network of professional musicians.
Opportunities and Support for WIYAMS Artists
WIYAMS ARTIST and WIYAMS YOUNG ARTIST are provided with a comprehensive suite of professional resources designed to support their artistic growth and elevate their careers. These benefits include:
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Official Certificate of Recognition
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Priority consideration for future performance opportunities
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Professionally designed promotional materials
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Opportunities for feature interviews and artist spotlights
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High-quality concert video recordings
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Professional performance photography
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Social media coverage and publicity support
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A dedicated artist profile on the official WIYAMS website
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Access to a global network of musicians and industry professionals
Eligibility
WIYAMS YOUNG ARTIST: Current undergraduate student majoring in music
WIYAMS ARTIST: Graduate student in music or holder of a music-related graduate degree
Application Process
Stage 1:
Application Review Submit all required materials. Qualified applicants will be selected as WIYAMS Artist Candidates
Stage 2:
Performance Selection
Based on programming needs, final performers will be selected from the WIYAMS Artist Candidate pool.
Stage 3:
Official Designation
Only those who successfully complete an official performance on the WIYAMS stage will earn the title of WIYAMS ARTIST or WIYAMS YOUNG ARTIST.
Start your Application
Application Deadline: December 16, 2025
Results Announcement: End-January 2026
Required Materials:
Solo Application
Individual performers
One professional headshot
Short bio (150–200 words)
Audition video: maximum 20 minutes total, with at least one piece or movement under 8 minutes
Chamber Application
Chamber groups of 2 to 6 members
One professional headshot per member
Short bio (150–200 words) for each member
Group introduction (max 200 words)
Audition video: maximum 25 minutes total, with at least one piece or movement under 10 minutes
Special Notes on Chamber Application:
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Groups may include members from different academic levels (e.g., undergraduates and graduates)
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Each member will be awarded the WIYAMS ARTIST title corresponding to their academic status at the time of application
Video Requirements For Solo And Chamber Application
Must be uploaded to YouTube; include the link in the application form
Recorded within the past 12 months
High-quality video and audio required
Camera angle must clearly show the performer’s face, hands, and feet
Record in an acoustically favorable space
Informal recordings will not be accepted
The performers in the video must be exactly the same as those who will appear in the official performance
Application Fees (Non-Refundable)
Early Bird
August 31 – November 15, 2025
Solo: $50 Chamber Ensemble: $100
Regular
November 16 – December 16, 2025
Solo: $80 Chamber Ensemble: $160
Why We Recommend Chamber Music Applications
Chamber performance exemplifies deep collaboration and artistic dialogue among musicians, aligning with WIYAMS’s mission:
“Let the World Hear Young Voices.”
Promote cross-cultural exchange through international collaboration
Demonstrate strong teamwork and musicianship
Offer diverse programming for audiences
Foster long-term artistic partnerships
Create more opportunities for individual recognition —
each ensemble member earns their own WIYAMS Artist designation
Our Partners
Partnerships are at the heart of WIYAMS, helping us ensure that WIYAMS artists have the best opportunities to develop their careers and that our music series can reach the widest possible audience.
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