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
Born in Puerto Rico or have Puerto RIcan parent/s
6-17 years old by the day of the event (June 12, 2027)
Submit recording and required documents with application
Pay non-refundable fee of $35
Participants must have their guardians' permission
recording requirements
The face, body and flute of the perfomer must be visible at all times during the recording
Enhancing/editing the audio of the recording is not allowed
All required repertoire must be in one single video. Cuts between pieces are allowed.
Recording must be published on Youtube as "Unlisted"
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
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
- 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
- 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
Awarded for an outstanding performance demonstrating exceptional artistry, technical command, and musical expression.
Rising Soloist
Awarded for a performance marked by strong potential, expressive playing, notable musical growth and artistic sensitivity.
Emerging Soloist
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!
