Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford - Brandon Fradd Scholarship

Benefit

You will receive a one-time payment of about 23,000 EUR (25,000 USD) to support your work as a composer. The CINTAS Foundation awards this prize every year and has been supporting Cuban artists since 1963. The prize winner will also have the opportunity to have one of their own compositions performed at the New Music Miami ISCM Festival, conducted by Maestro Orlando Jacinto Garcia. Please note that, under US law, the payment is considered taxable income and the Foundation will withhold US tax. If you live outside the US, you will need a US tax identification number (ITIN) to receive the money.

Eligibility

• Background: You are a Cuban national or have a Cuban parent or grandparent.
• What you do: You are a composer who writes music. Performing artists are not eligible to apply.
• Field: Music composition only.
• Students welcome: You may also apply if you are enrolled on a Master’s degree programme in musical composition.
• Repeat limit: You can win a maximum of twice. A second award is only presented if you can demonstrate significant artistic development.

How to apply

Applications are made via an online form; you will need a Google or Gmail account to do this. You must upload three to five recordings of your works, along with the scores, and at least two of the pieces must have been composed within the last five years. You must also submit two letters of recommendation and a short statement about yourself and your proposed project. The 2026 round has now closed. The next round begins on 1 January 2027, and the application deadline is expected to be around 1 May. A jury of music experts will review the applications and propose the winner.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is very specific: only Cuban composers of music that cannot be performed are eligible to apply, and just one prize is awarded each year. The field is highly specialised, yet competition for this single place is fierce. Your samples of work are the deciding factor, so compelling, recent compositions are of the utmost importance. If your compositions clearly stand out and you meet the requirement regarding your Cuban background, your chances are good.