James Miles Musical Innovation Grant

James Miles Musical Innovation Grant

Grant Application
Purpose:

This is a merit grant that provides funding up to $5,000 for young musicians interested in furthering their skills in either instrument or voice. Funds are paid directly to the program, not individuals.

Who can apply:

• Students ages 13 to 22

• Applicants must have previously received musical instruction

• Eligible applicants must be at an Advanced Level

Application details:

This grant application consists of two parts. This application is part one, if selected you'll be invited to complete part two.

• Deadline: January 22, 2026

• A video submission 1 minute or longer is required

• A letter of recommendation must be included

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed

Award notifications:

• Recipients will be notified in mid-April 2026

We wish you the best of luck!

Personal Information

Please complete this section to the best of your ability
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Age*
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Gender*
Race*
Do you have an instagram account? If so please provide us with your instagram handle, if not please put N/A*
What is your T-shirt size?*

XSSMLXLXXL
Music Experience

Please outline your music experience in detail. Answer all questions with as much detail as possible.
Please list any instruments do you play or other musical activities you're involved in (such as singing, composing, or performing in groups).*
What instrument or musical activities are you pursuing this grant opportunity for?*
How long have you played the instrument or done this musical activity that you're pursuing for this grant opportunity?*
Could you kindly provide any notable accomplishments, awards or recognition you have attained pertaining to your music education?*
Essay Questions

Please answer clear with as much detail.
Share your musical story. How did you begin, what has shaped your artistic identity so far, and how have your lived experiences influenced the kind of musician you are becoming?*
Innovation often requires courage. Tell us about a time when you took a creative risk in your music. What did you learn from the experience, and how would this grant allow you to take your next bold step?*
Video Submissions

Please provide Black Violin Foundation Inc. with one classical piece and one #Showoff piece showcasing your musical creativity and innovation.
Classical Music Piece

Please record a video of yourself playing a classical piece that demonstrates your technical abilities.

At the start of your video please state your first and last name.

Video should be 1 minute or longer
Classical Music Piece Submission*

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#ShowoffChallenge

Please provide us with a video no longer then a minute that show cases your musical ability.

At the start of your video please state your first and last name.

Don't hold back, we would like you to showcase your creativity! Please submit a 1 minute or longer video of yourself playing.
#ShowoffChallenge Video Submission*

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Video Release Request

As part of the 2026 BVF Inc Grant & James Miles Musical Innovation Grant application, we kindly request your consent to share any videos that you submit on our social media platforms and digital media outlets. This will help showcase the talent and dedication of our program applicants to a wider audience and promote the positive impact of our grant and instrument access program. We understand the importance of safeguarding your personal information and video submission. Therefore, we will only share your video submission with your explicit consent and in compliance with our privacy policy. Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding the sharing of your video submission.
I consent to giving Black Violin Foundation Inc. permission to use my application video(s) on social/ digital platforms*

Yes
Recommendation

We want to hear from your biggest advocate! Get someone in your corner to tell us about your accomplishments.
Please upload one letter of recommendation from a music instructor, a teacher, or any member of your community for the program that you are applying for. The letter of recommendation should be no longer than 1 page.*

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Parent/ Guardian Contact Information

This information is required for all applicants under the age of 18 years old, if you are above the age of 18 please put "N/A" in each submission box.
Parent/ Guardian *

First NameLast Name
Parent/ Guardian Email Address*
example@example.com
Parent/ Guardian Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parental consent - as the parent/legal guardian, I hereby give my permission for my child to apply for the Dreamer Instrument Access Grant. I understand that if selected, my child will receive an instrument from Black Violin Foundation Inc. to support their continued musical education.

I acknowledge that I have reviewed the application process and understand the responsibilities that come with the grant. I also consent to my child’s participation in any required activities or events associated with the grant.

I understand that by signing this consent form, I am authorizing my child to apply for and, if selected, participate in the Dreamer Instrument Access Grant for under the terms set forth by Black Violin Foundation Inc.
Yes I give permission for my child to submit this applicationNo I do not give my child permission to submit this applicationI confirm that I am 18 or older
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James Miles Musical Innovation Grant

Personal Information