Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation Scholarships

Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation Scholarships provide individualized support to exceptionally talented young string soloists worldwide. The foundation supports violin, viola, cello, and contrabass players who are pursuing careers as soloists.

How Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation Scholarships Work

Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter established the Friends of the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation in 1997. The formal foundation with its head office in Munich was established in 2008. Its objective is the global support of young, highly talented string soloists.

There is no competition for acceptance. Anne-Sophie Mutter personally selects scholarship recipients. Applications are accepted year-round and evaluated as soon as possible.

Applicants must submit:

• Several video links, preferably with pieces by J.S. Bach, W. Mozart, and L. v. Beethoven
• An artistic curriculum vitae
• A current letter of recommendation from the applicant's instructor
• A current repertoire list and list of concerts performed
• A personal letter describing the applicant's plans

Mutter personally selects candidates for a live performance based on submitted materials. Those chosen for scholarship assistance receive support based on individual needs. Support may include:

• Tuition with Anne-Sophie Mutter or assistance finding a suitable teacher
• Provision of instruments
• Establishing contacts with famous soloists and master classes
• Arrangement of auditions with conductors
• Commissioned compositions for scholarship students

The foundation currently supports approximately ten scholarship students from the USA, Europe, and Asia. Since 1997, 27 young musicians have been supported. Notable former recipients include Daniel Muller-Schott, Roman Patkolo, Sergey Khachatryan, and Arabella Steinbacher.

Mutter's Virtuosi, an ensemble of former and current scholarship students, toured for the first time in 2011. The foundation also commissions new compositions for its scholars.

Real-World Example

A young violinist who demonstrates exceptional talent would submit video recordings of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven works along with a recommendation from their teacher. If selected by Anne-Sophie Mutter for a personal audition and subsequently chosen as a scholar, they might receive support covering tuition with a top instructor, access to a high-quality instrument (which can cost $100,000 or more for professional-grade violins), and introductions to conductors for audition opportunities. The exact financial value varies because support is customized to each recipient.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a young string player pursuing a solo career, this foundation offers a rare form of support. Rather than a fixed monetary award, you receive individualized assistance tailored to your specific needs. This could mean access to instruments you could never afford, mentorship from one of the world's greatest violinists, and professional connections that open doors to concert halls.

Submit your best recorded performances. Choose repertoire from Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven as the foundation prefers these composers. Include a clear personal letter about your career goals. Be patient. The selection process is personal and deliberate.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

The foundation only supports string players (violin, viola, cello, contrabass). Pianists, wind players, and vocalists are not eligible. There is no fixed award amount. Support is individualized, which means you cannot predict the financial value in advance. Selection is entirely at Anne-Sophie Mutter's discretion. There is no formal competition or transparent scoring system. The number of active scholars is small (approximately ten at any time). The foundation does not publish specific application deadlines or notification timelines.

Eligibility Criteria

• Young string soloists pursuing a career as a soloist (violin, viola, cello, and contrabass only)
• Pianists, wind players, and vocalists are not eligible
• Open to applicants worldwide (current scholars are from the USA, Europe, and Asia)
• No specific age restriction published
• No membership requirements
• No specific education level required, but applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and a commitment to a solo career
• No formal competition or transparent scoring system. Selection is entirely at Anne-Sophie Mutter's discretion
• Approximately 10 active scholars at any given time

Deadlines and Application Timeline

• Application opens: Rolling (year-round). Applications are accepted at any time
• Deadline: No fixed deadline. Applications are evaluated as soon as possible after submission
• Notification: No published notification timeline. The selection process is personal and deliberate, with no fixed schedule
• There is no annual cycle or competition round

Past Recipients

Since 1997, 27 young musicians have been supported. Nine instruments have been financed from the Foundation's capital.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare video recordings: Record several video links, preferably with pieces by J.S. Bach, W. Mozart, and L. v. Beethoven
2. Write an artistic curriculum vitae: Document your training, performances, and artistic achievements
3. Obtain a recommendation letter: Secure a current letter of recommendation from your instructor
4. Compile a repertoire list: Create a current list of repertoire studied and concerts performed
5. Write a personal letter: Describe your plans and career goals in a brief personal letter
6. Submit materials: Send all materials to the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation at their Munich office address
7. Await selection: Anne-Sophie Mutter personally reviews submitted materials and selects candidates for a live performance audition
8. Attend a personal audition: If selected, perform for Anne-Sophie Mutter in person. Those chosen receive individualized support based on their specific needs

Program Videos

Similar Scholarships

• Avery Fisher Career Grant - Career grants for instrumentalists in the US
• Naumburg Foundation Competitions - Competitions for string players and other instrumentalists
• Music Scholarships Directory - Full directory of music funding opportunities
• Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Exchange - Fellowship programs for young professional musicians

Related Opportunities

• Music Scholarships Directory
• Avery Fisher Career Grant for instrumentalists in the US
• Naumburg Foundation Competitions for string players and other instrumentalists
• Visit Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation to apply