ROCKPORT — Bay Chamber Concerts' Young Stars of Maine Prize Program deadline is March 17.

Young Maine musicians between the ages of 12 and 25 are encouraged to apply for a Young Stars of Maine Prize. For over 50 years, Bay Chamber Concerts has awarded prizes to Maine students who have made a significant commitment to their musical studies. There are seven prizes of $1,000 in categories for soloists and jazz ensembles.

All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. Previous Young Stars of Maine prizewinners have gone on to careers at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as major symphonies and conservatories throughout the world.

Following the initial application process, select candidates are invited to live auditions, scheduled for Saturday, April 1, from noon to 5 p.m. in Rockport at the Bay Chamber Music School.

In addition to the prize monies, Young Stars are invited to perform for the public in a free concert scheduled for Sunday, April 30, at 4 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House as part of Bay Chamber's Performing Arts Series.

Following are the prize categories and eligibility qualifications:

The Eleanor Erdman and Diane Nixon Vocal Excellence Prize
Open to solo vocalists
Age minimum: 12 years old; Age maximum: 25 years old.

The A. H. Chatfield, Jr. Piano Prize
Open to solo pianists
Age minimum: 14 years old; Age maximum: 22 years old.

Summer Music Prize
Open to solo instrumentalists
Age minimum: 15 years old; Age maximum: 24 years old.

The Jean and Harvey Picker Senior Prize
Instrumental or vocal, solo
Age minimum: 18 years old; Age maximum: 22 years old.

The Elsie Bixler Junior Prize
Instrumental, solo
Age minimum: 12 years old; Age maximum: 17 years old.

Ezra Rachlin Prize for Excellence
Instrumental or vocal, solo
Age minimum: 16 years old; Age maximum: 25 years old.

The Nathan E. Corning Jazz Prize
Instrumental or vocal, solo or group
Age minimum: 15 years old; Age maximum: 23 years old.

For 2017, Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School is pleased to accept applications for the Young Stars of Maine Prize Program with a post-mark deadline of March 17. Instructions and an application can be downloaded at baychamberconcerts.org or by calling 207-236-2823.