apply now for the new usuli music fellowship!

At The Usuli Institute, we are proud to support Muslim musicians as part of our mission. We have already sponsored two albums by the gifted Muslim musician, Wietske Merison (Witness, 2023; and Reminder, 2024), recorded at Vaughan Music Studios in Columbus, Ohio. Now, we are excited to offer the same opportunity to another U.S.-based Muslim musician or group through the new Usuli Music Fellowship. The selected Usuli Music Fellows will work under the mentorship of Wietske Merison in preparation to professionally record an album at Vaughan Music Studios, sponsored by The Usuli Institute.

The Usuli Music Fellowship consists of:

• One week of studio time at Vaughan Music Studios in Columbus, Ohio (Summer 2025)
• Travel costs and accommodations in Columbus
• Audio editing and mastering provided by Vaughan Music Studios
• Assistance in creating cover art and digitally distributing your recorded album by Usuli Music
• Mentorship by Wietske Merison, including preparatory online sessions and in-studio support
• A small-scale live and live-streamed concert at The Usuli Institute

Fellowship applications are open to Muslim musicians of all ages, denominations, ethnicities, and musical genres who are current residents of the United States. Groups, such as vocal groups, string quartets, or small bands, may also apply but will need to keep in mind the limited studio

space and time in their project proposals and may be requested to share accommodations. Both professional and amateur applicants with sufficient skills may apply for the fellowship. We especially encourage musicians who perform their own original works to apply for the

fellowship, as well as musicians who have not yet professionally recorded an album. 

For more information, also email: music@usuli.org!

APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 31, 2024!