Gurwitz Youth Ambassadors are part of an important element of The Gurwitz mission, to encourage the development of young musicians in the greater San Antonio area. Chosen ambassadors showcase to the community the positive experiences music can bring to people of all ages and backgrounds, by performing in schools, senior living and community centers, and special events. They are also given the opportunity to attend or participating in masterclasses with world-class Gurwitz competition pianists or visiting Musical Bridges Around the World artists. 

This unique youth program was started in 2013 by the San Antonio International Piano Competition (SAIPC) and continued to develop after nonprofit Musical Bridges Around the World took over the management of the competition, subsequently renaming it The Gurwitz International Piano Competition. The program has helped young local pianists to share their art, learn the basics of the concert industry, meet top music professionals and serve as volunteers. We are now also excited in 2023 to begin opening this ambassadorship to all instruments, not just piano.

Key Dates 

• Application/Audition Period: 15 May – 15 August 2023
• 3 to 5 New Ambassadors Chosen: 15 September 2023 

Eligibility

• Advanced music students 18 years or under (as of September 1, 2023).
• Now open to all instruments, including voice!
• Must be a resident of Bexar County, TX.
  
• Must have a Letter of Recommendation from music teacher.
  

Application & Audition Submission Process

Applications are handled through the ACCEPTD application platform. The Gurwitz Youth Ambassador program does NOT conduct live auditions, all auditions should be video recording as a part of the online application process.

To read the full list of submission guidelines and apply:

1. Visit our ACCEPTD page.
2. “Select Program” under “Start an Application” box. Select “Gurwitz Youth Ambassadors”.
3.  Read and prepare all application submission materials.
4. Once applications have opened, click “Apply for Gurwitz Youth Ambassadors” under the “Start an Application” box to begin your application.

In December 2021, ten Gurwitz Youth Ambassadors performed at the San Fernando Cathedral as part of the Musical Bridges Youth Holiday concert. It premieres online Sunday 24 July at 7 PM CT (UTC-5) on the Musical Bridges Around the World website and MBAW YouTube channel.