AuditionTrail, a crowdfunding platform, recently launched as a new site that will allow musician backers to fund their upcoming audition travels.
The platform was created by musician Miguel Sonnak, who was inspired to create the site following a visit to the Aspen Music Festival. Sonnak revealed he hopes that Audition Trail can support young performers who otherwise might not be able to attend auditions:
“They’re going from Boca Raton to San Francisco to New York — all over the country — and these plane tickets are expensive. Factor in that people sometimes don’t know anyone in that city and they need a hotel room for two nights.”
Also noting the support he and the platform has received, Sonnak explained:
“I talked to my viola section, they loved it. I went to the cellos and the violins, they loved it. I said, ‘OK, there’s interest. Let’s see how we can do it.’”
There will be four rounds of funding each year, each of which will award four players (one from each instrument) a scholarship of up to $500 for audition travel expenses. All funds will go directly towards scholarships, and Sonnak will cover operational expenses out of his own pocket. The website reportedly does not have nonprofit legal status yet.
Sonnak added that he hopes that the AuditionTrail will continue to grow and become a resource for aspiring professional musicians:
“I want us here at the Aspen Music Festival to be the next generation playing concerts, and the next generation needs help. Culture is needed in society.”
AuditionTrail is currently only open to musicians who play violin, viola, cello and bass.
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