FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
See the ELIGIBILITY page.
How do musicians apply to become OneBeat Fellows?
Start your application by registering for an account.
When can musicians apply? When is the application deadline?
Unfortunately, due to the international pandemic, we are postponing our regularly scheduled OneBeat US application.
When will OneBeat 2020 take place?
We will be announcing new dates and activities soon.
Do I have to be a certain age to apply to OneBeat?
Applicants must be 19 or older at the time of the application and 35 or younger at the end of the program. See the ELIGIBILITY page.
What are the eligible countries and territories?
Albania, Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greenland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
Why are certain countries not eligible for OneBeat? Will you make any exceptions?
OneBeat is focused on musicians from the countries listed above, though the list may change from year to year. Eligible countries are determined by the US Department of State, and unfortunately, we aren’t able to bend the country eligibility. However, there are other programs funded by the US Department of State that you may be eligible for. For more details see: http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us.
Can I apply if I am from one of the eligible countries, but currently living in a non-eligible country?
While we are sensitive to the fact many countries have an extensive diaspora, in order to be eligible for OneBeat, applicants must be both a resident and citizen of one of the eligible countries.
Can I apply if I am currently a resident of one of the eligible countries, but am originally from elsewhere?
Unfortunately you are eligible for OneBeat only if you are both a resident and citizen of an eligible country.
Are musical groups able to apply together?
OneBeat Fellows must apply individually and will be selected as individuals. However, several members of a group are welcome to apply separately.
Are U.S. musicians also eligible?
Yes. We typically accept a small number of U.S. musicians as OneBeat Fellows.
What is the selection process? When will artists be identified?
All applications will be reviewed by a OneBeat Selection Committee made up of OneBeat staff, U.S. Department of State staff, and accomplished musicians. Selected Fellows will be notified by early May, and will have two weeks to confirm their participation in the program.
How many artists will be selected?
Approximately 25 participants are selected for OneBeat U.S.
Will artists be chosen from every eligible country and territory?
Because of the number of eligible countries and territories we will not be able to accept Fellows from every country or territory. We do intend to invite Fellows from every world region.
Do I have to be a full-time professional musician to apply?
No, we encourage advanced students and highly skilled semi-professional musicians to apply. (We understand that music isn’t always the easiest way to make a living!)
Are non-musicians who work in related fields eligible to apply?
OneBeat is only open to musicians, although we do encourage musicians to apply who also work in other fields.
Do OneBeat applicants have to play a particular genre of music?
Musicians from any genre or background are encouraged to apply. We are looking for musicians who have achieved an advanced proficiency in styles and skills such as (but not limited to): folk music, hip hop, electronic music, traditional music, jazz, experimental, classical, sound-art installations, DJing, audio engineering, etc.
Do participants need to speak English?
Participants should have a basic grasp of English in order to participate in ensembles and creative sessions.
What are the costs of the OneBeat program for participants?
All costs will be covered for OneBeat Fellows, including travel and accommodations. Fellows will also receive a per diem and a modest honorarium.
Will OneBeat help secure Visas to enter the United States?
Yes, OneBeat Fellows will travel under a J-1 Visa, a non-immigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange visitor programs.
How long will participants stay in the US? What will the participants do while in the U.S?
The program typically runs one month in length. While in the U.S. the Fellows will participate in a two-week residency, during which they will develop and rehearse original material. They will then go on a 10-14 day tour, during which they will perform the music they developed and rehearsed during the residency period. Throughout the program Fellows will develop and lead creative workshops for youth and community groups.
Can I participate in only part of the program?
No, OneBeat Fellows must commit to participating in the entire program.
Will there be post-OneBeat activities for OneBeat Fellows after the program finishes?
Yes. We encourage OneBeat Fellows to be part of a vibrant and growing OneBeat online community, through which Fellows continue to be able to collaborate on new works and project ideas.