Young soloist award

The Puerto Rico Flute Festivals’ Young Soloist Award (YSA) provides a platform for talented young flutists between the ages of 6-17 and of Puerto Rican descent to showcase their artistry, technique, and musical expression through solo flute repertoire. This award is designed as an educational and performance opportunity, encouraging growth, discipline, and pride in Puerto Rican musicianship.

important dates

APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN

JULY 15TH, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE

JANUARY 15TH, 2027

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PERFORMERS

FEBRUARY 1ST, 2027

LIVE ROUND PERFORMANCE

JUNE 12TH, 2027

application REQUIREMENTS

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Born in Puerto Rico or have Puerto RIcan parent/s

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6-17 years old by the day of the event (June 12, 2027)

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Submit recording and required documents with application

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Pay non-refundable fee of $35

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Participants must have their guardians' permission

recording requirements

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The face, body and flute of the perfomer must be visible at all times during the recording

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Enhancing/editing the audio of the recording is not allowed

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All required repertoire must be in one single video. Cuts between pieces are allowed.

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Recording must be published on Youtube as "Unlisted"

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Video must be recorded horizontally

Applications that do not comply with all requirements will not be considered

categories

BEGINNER

The Beginner Category is designed for students in the initial stage of playing. The pieces come from the Suzuki Method for Flute, Vol. 1, a method with extensive pedagogical experience that develops musical ear, natural tuning and phrasing through known and accessible melodies. The selected pieces cover simple tonalities, basic articulation and development of sonority in the middle register of the instrument.

REPERTOIRE LIST
Recorded Round Repertoire:

From Suzuki Method for Flute Vol.1

  • Go Tell Aunt Rhody – #7
  • The Honeybee – #10
  • Minuet – J.S. Bach – #14

Live Round Repertoire:

  • Minuet – J.S. Bach – #15

INTERMEDIATE

The Intermediate Category combines two complementary sources: the Suzuki Method for Flute, Vol. 2, which consolidates the classical repertoire with pieces of greater harmonic and technical complexity, and the romantic studies of Ernest Kohler (Op. 33), a collection for solo flute that works on musical phrasing, expressiveness and the independence of the performer. This category requires greater sound control, dynamic handling and sustained phrasing ability.

REPERTOIRE LIST
Recorded Round Repertoire:

  • Minuet – J.S. Bach – #5 – Suzuki Method for Flute Vol.2
  • “Allegretto” Variation – Carnaval di Venecia

Live Round Repertoire:

  • Etude No. 2 – E. Köhler, Op. 33

ADVANCED

The Advanced Category represents the highest degree of technical and musical demand of this event. It includes an etude by Köhler for the recorded round, and culminates with Claude Debussy’s Syrinx as a live performance piece, a fundamental work of the 20th century solo flute repertoire and an unavoidable reference point for any flutist in advanced training.

REPERTOIRE LIST
Recorded Round Repertoire:

  • Etude No. 9 – Kohler Op. 66

Live Round Repertoire:

  • Syrinx, L. 129 – Claude Debussy

prizes

For each category, a maximum of 5 performers will be selected to advance to the Live Round.

A cash prize will be awarded to the Top 3 performers of each category, as described below.

Young Soloist

$100

Awarded for an outstanding performance demonstrating exceptional artistry, technical command, and musical expression.

Rising Soloist

$75

Awarded for a performance marked by strong potential, expressive playing, notable musical growth and artistic sensitivity.

Emerging Soloist

$50

Awarded to a promising flutist showing dedication, developing artistry, and commitment to their playing and continued musical development.

HAVE A QUESTION? CONTACT YSA COORDINATOR, BRYAN GARCIA

apply Today!

Contact YSA Coordinator, Bryan Garcia at  bryangarciarolon@me for any questions you may have

 

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