Rudolf Heydnes fund - Rudolf Heydner scholarship

Rudolf Heydner scholarship

You are taking part in a piano competition at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) and could win one of three prizes. This is a one-off competition prize for young pianists, not a monthly scholarship. The Rudolf Heydner Foundation funds this prize through the mdw Foundation in order to support up-and-coming pianists in Austria. The amount of the prize money is not announced in advance. In previous rounds, the mdw awarded one first prize and two second prizes.

Who can apply

• What you study: You are enrolled on the piano course at the mdw in Vienna.
• Your programme: You are enrolled in one of two early-learning streams at the mdw: the course for highly gifted children and young people (aged approximately 6 to 14) or the preparatory piano programme (for children aged approximately 15 to 19).
• Timing: You can join from your 3th semester onwards.
• Instrument: You play piano.
• Nationality: Students from all countries are welcome to apply.

How to apply

You must register for the piano competition yourself, and the winners will be selected on the basis of their performances. The closing date for entries is 14 January. Further information is available from the Institute for Concert Piano at the mdw.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is very difficult to win. You must be enrolled in the programme for highly gifted students or the mdw’s piano preparatory programme from the third semester onwards, which means that only a small number of people are eligible to apply in the first place. If you meet these requirements, the competition is low. Ultimately, however, what matters in the competition is how you perform on the day compared to other talented pianists.