Application criteria

The Swiss Instrument Fund (SIF) is supported by the YOUTH CLASSICS association. It supports talented musicians in Switzerland by providing high-quality string instruments – violins, violas, and cellos – on loan for a period of two years. The SIF is aimed at talented musicians between the ages of 12 and 30 who have the appropriate musical qualifications. They must be residents of Switzerland or studying at a music college in Switzerland. Swiss citizens studying abroad are also eligible to apply.

Selection process

Interested musicians submit the online application form along with their artistic CV, a recording, and a letter of motivation. A panel of experts selects suitable candidates and invites them to an audition. Those selected for a loan instrument can choose from several instruments, depending on availability. The instrument should be a good fit for the young musicians so that it optimally supports them in their musical career. This audition and the subsequent allocation takes place every year in the fall. In individual cases, allocation is also possible at other times, depending on urgency and availability.

Organizational matters

The YOUTH CLASSICS association acts as an intermediary between the young musicians (borrowers) and the owners or authorized representatives of the instruments (lenders). It organizes the allocation of instruments and strives to ensure that 10 to 20 high-quality instruments can be borrowed each year. Borrowing the instrument is free of charge for borrowers; only the insurance costs are borne by the borrower. All instruments are insured by Sinfonima Swiss; this insurance is mandatory. Each instrument must be presented to a SIF-authorized violin maker at least once a year.

Communication

Musicians who have received a string instrument on loan from the SIF are expected to mention the instrument in concert programs and in their CVs, naming the SIF and, if applicable, the owner.