The Harmony Bridges Costa Rica Fellowship is open to youth musicians who have been playing for a minimum of 1 academic year at school, an after school program, a youth orchestra, or taking private lessons. Youth musicians must be at least 12 years old by the time of travel. Priority consideration given to those who speak Spanish.

Fellowship openings for 2024:

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Saxophone

Trumpet

French Horn

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion

Leadership Lens: In this module, participants will embark on an explorative journey to define and understand leadership. They will engage in discussions and activities that prompt them to question, “What does leadership mean in general, and what does it mean to me personally?” This foundational module sets the stage for deep thinking about leadership in various contexts.

Artistic Agency: Here, young artists and musicians will delve into their unique positions as influencers and creators. They’ll explore how their artistic expressions grant them agency, enabling them to lead and inspire change within and beyond their communities. This module emphasizes self-awareness and the empowerment derived from artistic endeavors.

Cultural Compass: This module invites participants to reflect on their cultural identities and how exposure to diverse cultures through travel has broadened their perspectives. They’ll examine how these experiences shape their understanding of the world, influence their musicianship, and inform their leadership style, fostering a global mindset.

Social Symphony: Participants will learn how to harmonize their artistic talents with social advocacy, discovering ways to use their creativity for community enrichment and social good. This module focuses on practical strategies for artists and musicians to create impactful, positive change within their communities.

Empowerment & Engagement: The final module ties all the concepts together, empowering participants to take active leadership roles. They will devise and develop projects or initiatives that leverage their artistry and leadership skills for community benefit, emphasizing the application of their newfound insights and abilities in real-world scenarios.

To apply, submit your application and audition materials through the application portal linked above and below.

A. Your story. We want to get to know you!

— Written or video. If written, a minimum of 500 words. If in video format, between 2-3 minutes in length.

— Things to consider: who you are, where you are from, what you like to do, what makes you happy, what makes you proud to be you, what you value, anything you want to share about yourself, etc.

B. Your musical journey. We want to hear the story of your musical background and where you want to go in the future.

— Written or video. If written, a minimum of 500 words. If in video format, between 2-3 minutes in length.

— In telling the story of your music journey, be sure to address the following topics: What experience do you have playing music on your instrument? What, if any, other experience do you have with music? (other instruments, singing, musical theater, composing, etc.) What do you love about music? Why do you want to be a TAI Youth Leadership Fellow, and how do you think this experience will impact your future?

C. Video Audition. These can be all in one video or separated.

— Two scales of your choice

— Russian Fantasy (selected measures)

• Download here

— A piece or song that you love to play

Video tips:

— Film the videos in landscape (horizontally).

— For speaking videos, write out your answers first before filming to avoid rambling and incoherent thoughts.

— For your audition videos(s), make sure that we can see your entire instrument and bow throughout the video.

Includes:

— Roundtrip Airfare to/from San Jose from a NYC airport

— All meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) + snacks — Room & board

— 3-Day Tourism Excursion to visit the famous Arenal volcano

— All in-country transportation, including to/from excursions

— 24/7 Adult Chaperone who is Bilingual in English & Spanish

— Masterclass opportunities with musicians from SINEM Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical from 3 different sites

— A performance opportunity in San Jose, with 2 other SINEM program youth and faculty + 5 youth leadership modules