YOUNG ADULT | MUSIKVEREIN

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the program and application process. Do not hesitate to call or email our team with additional questions.

What is the Young Adult Honors Performance Series at the Musikverein?

The Young Adult Series brings together young musicians who have pursued their musical interests into college and beyond. Selected Finalists are brought together for six days in Vienna, Austria with international peers to further their abilities, network with other talented musicians, work with renowned conductors, and ultimately take part in an advanced Musikverein performance.

Who are the conductors?

Our 2021 Honors Conductor will be announced in Fall 2020. All of our conductors have received international acclaim for their work and have extensive experience in working with talented students, making them the perfect choices to lead our Honors Ensembles. Click here to learn more about all of our distinguished Honors Conductors.

What do Finalists do in Vienna?

The program was developed to challenge young musicians who have advanced their skills beyond high school to further their abilities, network with other talented musicians, work with renowned conductors, and ultimately take part in an advanced Musikverein performance. Though much of the musicians’ time is focused on performance preparation, the week also allows students to explore opportunities in music, experience the best of the sights of Vienna, and get to know other musicians from around the world.

Highlights of the 6-day program are planned to include (tentative and subject to change):

Perform in the elite Honors Performance at the Musikverein in Vienna.
Work with a master conductor and build your performing resume.
Rehearse and interact with other musicians from across the world.
Commemorate your accomplishments and enjoy time with other selected musicians during your Finalist Celebration.
Attend a classical music performance, interact with a panel of professional Vienna musicians, and experience the highlights of Vienna.

When is the 2021 Young Adult Honors Performance Series at the Musikverein?

The 2021 Young Adult Series at the Musikverein will take place July 6-11, 2021. The Honors Performance at the Musikverein is Saturday, July 10, 2021.

What ensembles will perform in the Honors Performances at the Musikverein?

The 2021 Young Adult Honors Performance Series is planned to feature an instrumental ensemble (format TBD). All parts are encouraged to apply.

Vocalists are encouraged to apply for the Young Adult Honors Choir, which will perform at Carnegie Hall.

What is the connection between the Honors Performance Series and WorldStrides?

The Honors Performance Series is a proud part of the WorldStrides organization. Click here for more information about our history and relationship with WorldStrides.

How are Finalists selected?

Music professionals from across the world recognize and nominate talented young musicians.
Nominated and self-nominating performers are invited to apply individually for selection.
Applicants submit a complete application and audition recording. Self-nominating students must submit an additional recommendation.
All applications are reviewed by the Series’ expert Board of music professionals for final selection.
Each applicant will receive a notification email to the address(es) listed on their application on approximately February 1, 2021. This email will specify their acceptance status: Finalist (selected to perform), First Runner-up (waitlisted), or Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted).

What are the application requirements?

The Young Adult Honors Performance Series application requirements are as follows. Please see the application page for additional details.

Complete Application Form
Nomination or Recommendation
Complete Performing Biography form
Audition recording
Application deposit (the full deposit amount, minus a $15 application fee is refunded if not selected; once a participant is accepted, his or her deposit becomes non-refundable)

Applicants for the Young Adult Series are required to submit all application materials online. Applications will not be considered until all required pieces are received. If an applicant fails to submit required portions, their deposit is not refunded.

What are the requirements of the audition recording?

Each applicant must submit a 3-5 minute mp3 or m4a audition recording. Recordings must meet the criteria outlined on the application (please visit the application page for additional information).

Can family participate?

Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to join their Finalist by either enrolling in one of our Family Programs or by purchasing individual tickets to the performance. This is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends.

Information on Family Program options will be provided to Finalists once accepted and posted on this website. Additionally, information on how to purchase tickets to the performance will be provided to Finalists. Other than individual tickets to the Musikverein performance, all hotels, activities, touring, and events are available only as a part of the Family Program and cannot be purchased individually.

How do you ensure performer safety?

The safety and security of our performers is our highest priority, and the Series has implemented a number of safety measures to ensure all participants are well supported and protected:

Program staff experienced and trained in working with young adults
Accommodations in a highly rated Vienna hotel
Doctors on Call arrangement for medical support while on the program
Staff available 24 hours to handle any unexpected circumstances
Extensive participant insurance while on the program

Additionally, selected participants are expected to act with utmost professionalism and maturity during the program. Finalists found to have violated the behavior guidelines of the program (as outlined in the Finalist Behavior Contract signed by all participants) will be dismissed from the program.

For additional information about our health and safety measures, please click here.

What is included in the program tuition?

The Honors Performance Series provides a hassle-free experience so that selected student performers can focus on their main reason for being in Vienna – performing at their very best in the Musikverein. The Series includes for all Finalists (tentative):

All rehearsal costs, including equipment and sheet music
All production cost and services for the Musikverein performance
All fees for shown activities—including attending a classical music performance, the Finalist Celebration, and sightseeing
Transportation for all activities during the program (arrival and departure transportation—flights, trains, etc.—to and from the Series hotel are the responsibility of participants)
Exposure to and learning from a world-class conductor for the program duration
Guides for activities outside the hotel (if desired) and program staff to assist participants in Vienna
Five nights' lodging in a highly rated, centrally located hotel (double occupancy) with staff onsite to ensure a good stay
A 24-hour staffed emergency office to handle the unexpected
Doctors on Call arrangement for around-the-clock access to a George Washington University Hospital doctor during the program
Extensive traveler insurance while on the program

Transportation to and from the program hotel in Vienna and meals are NOT included in the program. A set payment plan is available and partial scholarships are also offered to full-time student applicants, based on family need.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are in the process of evaluating certain program elements for 2021 to ensure that they meet the most current public health standards and guidance. The health and safety of our participants is always our top priority. If anything changes from what is listed on the website, we will inform enrolled students via email as soon as possible. Click here to learn more about our health and safety efforts.

Is transportation included in the program?

While transportation to and from activities during the program is included, selected Finalists are responsible for getting themselves to and from the Series hotel at the beginning and conclusion of the program. This includes transportation to and from Vienna (air, train, bus, etc.) as well as transportation from Vienna transportation hubs to/from the program hotel. Because this is a selective program, we encourage you to refrain from booking airline tickets or other travel arrangements until you have received both your acceptance and the specified check-in/check-out times.

For participants who may desire additional assistance traveling to and from Vienna, the Series offers an optional chaperoned Group Flight round-trip from the United States. Details and pricing will be shared with selected Finalists upon their acceptance in late October.

Are meals included?

No, selected Finalists are responsible for purchasing their own meals during the program. We generally suggest Finalists plan to spend $50-75 US per day on meals and souvenirs.

Are scholarships available?

The Honors Performance Series is dedicated to bringing together talented young performers around the world. Need-based partial scholarships are available to full-time student applicants, based upon family need. Please call us at +1 (800) 503-0807 for more information.

Where do participants stay?

For safety reasons, we do not share the name of our Honors hotel(s) except to accepted Finalists and the Responsible Parties listed on their accounts. All of our hotels are internationally recognized, and each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are student-friendly and have been rated highly by musicians and families who have participated in our programs.

Do I get to choose my roommates?

In general, roommate selection is randomly assigned by gender. Meeting new people and making new friends is a key element of the Honors Performance Series, and roommates enhance the entire experience. However, selected Finalists will be given the opportunity to request a roommate after they are notified of their acceptance.

If a Finalist is traveling with a loved one who has enrolled in the 6-Day Family Program, they may request to room together. Certain occupancy arrangements do require a room surcharge. Please contact us if you would like more information about this option.

Is there a code of conduct for Finalists?

Yes, to ensure a positive experience for all Finalists, participants are required to sign a behavior contract before participating in the Honors Performance Series. Finalists who do not follow these guidelines can be removed from the program and will be sent home at the family's expense.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Yes, the Program & Travel Protection Plan is an optional policy designed exclusively for Finalists and Family Program participants. This policy is offered to protect the investment of Finalists and their families. Complete details about the policy will be shared to selected Finalists with their acceptance materials.

To whom do we make checks payable?

Please make checks payable to the Honors Performance Series. For faster processing, checks should be mailed to the Honors Performance Series at P.O. Box 6276, Charlottesville, VA 22906-6275. Once received, checks sent to our New York address may take an additional 1-2 weeks to process.

How can I ask people to donate to my program fees?

Requesting donations is easy with our Gift of Performance e-cards. Those closest to you will enjoy their special e-greeting and the opportunity to be a part of your unforgettable experience! Click here to send e-cards to all of your family and friends! Many Finalists have accumulated donations covering their full program tuition through this fundraiser alone!

“Being a part of these rehearsals showed me what it is like to be around people who know what they are doing and work for it. I cannot express enough how thankful I am.”

Clint
Finalist