Talent Promotion (Special Awards & Scholarships) of the Carl Bechstein Foundation
Support for exceptionally talented young pianists through special prizes at established music competitions and the awarding of four annual scholarships every three years; additionally, one-time Corona aid totaling €352,000.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Long-term top-level support for highly gifted child and youth pianists through financial scholarships, special prizes, and the facilitation of performance opportunities in cooperation with music competitions and concert organizers.
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Outstanding piano talent and high commitment
- Participation and awards in recognized music competitions (e.g., Jugend musiziert, ARD Competition)
- German or Austrian citizenship or main residence in Germany or Austria for at least two years
Evaluation criteria
- Proven piano talent
- Recommendation of the competition jury
- Financial need (for Corona aid)
Description
The Carl Bechstein Foundation supports highly gifted young pianists in Germany and Austria through a comprehensive special prize and scholarship program. Within the framework of established music competitions, it awards outstanding talents with one-time cash prizes of €2,000 each. In addition, the foundation grants four annual scholarships of €12,000 each every three years. Talent promotion and special prizes combine financial support with the provision of performance opportunities in cooperation with renowned competitions such as "Jugend musiziert," the ARD Music Competition, or the International Carl Maria von Weber Piano Competition. Supported are young pianists with proof of German or Austrian citizenship or a main residence of at least two years, as well as demonstrated piano talent and commitment, certified by jury recommendations or awards at recognized events.
In response to the performance opportunities severely restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation additionally disbursed €352,000 as emergency aid in February 2021: 18 scholarships of €12,000 each and 68 one-time payments of €2,000 each. Besides the financial grant, the board particularly evaluates artistic excellence and financial need. The goal is a long-term top-level support to sustainably accompany the soloistic development of promising children and youth. The program duration is 12 months each; applicants with pronounced piano talent, awards at top competitions, and high commitment have the best chances of receiving support from the non-profit foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing piano culture.
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