Yamaha Launches the 2019 Young Performing Artists Competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) competition, an annual program that has helped build the musical careers of outstanding young talent for more than 30 years.

Jazz, classical and contemporary musicians between the ages of 18 and 22 are invited to apply between now and December 19, 2018. The 2019 winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the YYPA Celebration Weekend at the Music for All Summer Symposium in Muncie, Indiana. There, they will perform before thousands of students and music educators, take part in professional career-building workshops, receive national press coverage and take home a professional recording and photos of their live performance. Winners will also be provided ongoing support and career counseling from Yamaha Artist Services.

“Since YYPA began, more than 30 years ago, we’ve seen the program grow and many remarkable young musicians’ careers take flight,” says John Wittmann, director, Artist Relations and Education, Yamaha Artist Services Indianapolis. “The accomplishments of these fine young musicians is simply astounding. Helping to guide them as they embark on their journeys is something we at Yamaha are very proud of.”

“The Yamaha Young Performing Artist experience remains one of the most rewarding endeavors of my artistic life,” said Stephen Page, 2004 YYPA Saxophone Winner. “Being surrounded by such wonderful musicians for a weekend of music-making and collaboration was an experience I’ll never forget. The opportunity to connect with some of the strongest figures in our field helped me find greater focus in career development, and I am so grateful to Yamaha for offering such an exceptional program, and for their dedication to music education. I am honored to be a part of the Yamaha Family!”

Echoing that sentiment is Patrick Bartley, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer and bandleader who won YYPA’s saxophone category in 2015. “The YYPA weekend was truly, and unexpectedly, the most inspiring three days I’ve ever had,” he says. “Coming into it, you think it’s just going to be another ‘camp’-like experience with some good players. But then you immediately realize just how serious everyone at Yamaha is about wanting to see you grow and flourish. They’re like family. By the end of the weekend, I felt mentally prepared to build my career. People like John Wittmann and Jeff Coffin really helped me harness and internalize tools for being clear, confident and motivated while moving through this whole process!”

To be eligible, applicants must be studying in the U.S and be between the ages of 18-22 at the time of entry. Applications will be accepted for the following categories: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet or Concert Percussion, Drums, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass and Piano.

“Everyyear, we encourage as many students as possible to apply for YYPA,” Wittmann adds. “The actual process of completing the application proves helpful as a young musician embarks on the next steps of his or her career. Every success must start with beginning and applying to the YYPA competition is a great beginning.”

For full details about applying, visit https://app.getacceptd.com/yypa