Prepare to be swept away by the harmonious melodies of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration as OneBeat 2023 presents an extraordinary opportunity for musicians from Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States. This year’s program promises to be an immersive and transformative experience, fostering creativity, dialogue, and friendship. With fully-funded training in the United States, OneBeat continues its mission to unite diverse musical talents and promote global understanding through the universal language of music.
About The OneBeat Scholarship
OneBeat Ghana is set to assemble a dynamic group of exceptional young musician entrepreneurs hailing from Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States. This gathering will take place during an intensive two-week residency in Ghana, fostering an environment for the exchange of ideas and the formulation of strategies aimed at nurturing stronger artist communities and fostering vibrant creative economies in the region.
During this transformative experience, the fellows will actively engage in skill sharing, thought-provoking discussions, and immersive workshops facilitated by esteemed guest artists. Simultaneously, they will dedicate their efforts towards refining their project proposals, actively working on their individualized concepts. As part of the application process, musicians are encouraged to apply with specific project ideas they wish to focus on throughout the program.
At the culmination of the residency, the fellows will be called upon to create a compelling pitch or plan outlining the subsequent steps for their respective projects. These final presentations will be showcased in Accra, allowing the fellows to share their vision and aspirations with a wider audience, and creating a platform for further development and support.
Scholarship Benefits
- Fully-Funded Experience: OneBeat Training offers an unparalleled opportunity for musicians from Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States by covering all costs associated with the program. This includes travel expenses, accommodations, and meals, ensuring that participants can fully immerse themselves in the training without any financial burdens.
- Per Diem Support: In addition to covering the essential expenses, OneBeat provides fellows with a per diem allowance. This financial support helps fellows focus on their artistic development and collaborative projects without worrying about day-to-day expenses during the training period. It ensures that participants can dedicate their time and energy to artistic exploration, learning, and networking.
- Modest Honorarium: Recognizing the value of the fellows’ contributions and dedication to their craft, OneBeat also provides a modest honorarium. This gesture acknowledges the commitment and talent of the participants, encouraging them to continue pursuing their artistic endeavors beyond the training program. The honorarium serves as a token of appreciation for the hard work and creativity they bring to the table.
Scholarship Requirements
- Age Requirements: Applicants must be 19 years or older by November 6, 2023, and should be 35 years or younger at the program’s end on November 20, 2023. We encourage musicians within this age range to apply and be part of this exciting opportunity.
- Inclusive Application: Musicians from all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply regardless of formal musical training. We welcome musicians representing diverse genres, including but not limited to traditional/folk, hip-hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, and multimedia art. Feel free to combine styles and create unique musical expressions.
- Beyond Musicians: OneBeat embraces musicians who wear multiple hats. We invite full-time professional musicians and adventurous individuals who engage in various roles, such as community organizers, instrument builders, writers, videographers, musicologists, educators, storytellers, dancers, and shadow-puppeteers. Whatever your creative background, we value your unique perspective.
What you should know about OneBeat:
- Collaboration and Creativity: At OneBeat, collaboration is at the core. This program provides musicians an exceptional opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects, pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories. Prepare to embark on exciting musical ventures with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds.
- Social Engagement: They seek musicians who strongly commit to their communities. If you are passionate about youth development, music education, music therapy, conflict resolution, or using music as a means to foster global dialogue, OneBeat is the perfect platform for you. We encourage musicians who aspire to contribute to more egalitarian and democratic societies.
- A Fully-Funded Program: OneBeat is a FREE program; it covers all costs for selected Fellows. This includes travel expenses, transportation, food, and lodging throughout the training period. In addition, we offer a modest stipend to support your participation in the program.
- Professional Growth and Networking: Although the program itself is not a paid gig, OneBeat provides valuable opportunities for professional growth. As a Fellow, you will have the chance to create new musical works, establish lifelong partnerships and friendships, learn marketable skills, and develop connections within the music industry.
- Application Requirements: Be prepared to share your creative project proposals and your musical background in your application. We request applicants to submit 3-5 samples of their work, including both audio and video materials. These samples will help us better understand your artistic vision and abilities.
Selection Criteria for OneBeat 2023
To be considered for OneBeat, applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Musical Excellence: They are looking for musicians who demonstrate a high level of performance, composition, improvisational, production, and/or technological skills. Ideal OneBeat musicians are innovators within their musical realms, pushing boundaries stylistically, lyrically, or technologically.
- Collaboration: Applicants should showcase a willingness to bridge cultural and musical divides, either by creating original music or re-interpreting traditional music while respecting the essence of each tradition. We encourage musicians to embrace new musical experiences and approaches.
- Social Engagement: OneBeat values musicians who have used their music to make a positive impact in their communities or society at large. This could include guiding young people in music education, addressing social or political issues through their musical content, revitalizing endangered musical traditions, and more.
- Age: Applicants must be between 19 and 35 years old to be eligible for OneBeat.
- English Proficiency: As English will be the common language of the OneBeat program, applicants should be able to converse in and understand basic English. Effective communication is essential for collaboration and participation in program activities.
- Country or Territory of Origin: OneBeat seeks applicants who currently reside full-time in one of the 40 eligible countries and territories. Also, they aim to select musicians who have a limited travel experience to the United States or have rarely performed there, ensuring diversity in geographic representation.
- Internet Proficiency: Whenever possible, OneBeat Fellows should actively use email and have the ability to connect to the internet. This proficiency is crucial for engaging in website-based activities and staying connected with program updates and communication.
How To Apply
Visit the OneBeat website on onebeatghana2023.fsn-apply.org to apply.
Important Dates
- Applications are due by July 14, 2023 5:00 PM EDT.
- Applicants will be notified of the review panel decision by August 31, 2023.
- OneBeat Ghana will take place November 6, 2023 – November 20, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OneBeat?
OneBeat is an international music exchange program that brings together talented musicians from different countries for a collaborative and transformative musical experience. It offers training, networking opportunities, and the chance to create innovative musical projects.
Is OneBeat a paid program?
While OneBeat is a free program, it covers all expenses for selected fellows, including travel, accommodation, food, and local transportation. Additionally, fellows receive a modest stipend to support their participation during the program.
Who can apply for OneBeat?
OneBeat welcomes musicians from diverse backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience. Whether you are a professional musician, a community organizer, an instrument builder, a writer, a videographer, or engage in any other creative role related to music, you are encouraged to apply.
What are the eligibility requirements for OneBeat?
Applicants must be between 19 and 35 years old, have proficiency in conversational English, and currently live full-time in one of the 40 eligible countries and territories. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate musical excellence, a willingness to collaborate, and social engagement through their musical work.
Is musical training necessary to apply for OneBeat?
No, formal musical training is not a prerequisite for applying to OneBeat. Musicians from all backgrounds, with or without formal training, are encouraged to apply and showcase their unique musical talents and perspectives.
Can I reapply if I have previously been unsuccessful?
Yes, previous applicants who were not selected are welcome to reapply in subsequent years. They encourage applicants to reflect on their previous applications and make any necessary adjustments or updates to their profiles.
What is expected of OneBeat fellows?
OneBeat fellows are expected to actively engage in collaborative projects, participate in workshops and masterclasses, and contribute to the social impact of music. Fellows are encouraged to create new works, establish meaningful connections with other musicians, and develop skills that can benefit their artistic careers.
Can I apply for OneBeat if I have already traveled extensively to the United States or have performed there frequently?
OneBeat aims to prioritize applicants who have limited travel experience to the United States or have rarely performed there. However, they still encourage talented musicians to apply, as other selection criteria, such as musical excellence and social engagement, are also taken into consideration during the selection process.
References
- https://1beat.org/apply/
- https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/onebeat-ghana-training-program-2023-for-young-musician-entrepreneurs-fully-funded/
- https://www.scholarshipair.com/scholarships/onebeat-2023-training-for-ghana-nigeria-united-states-fully-funded-to-usa
