The Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Awards support young musicians (Canadians and permanent residents) who are pursuing or about to embark on a professional career in classical music performance. The supported disciplines include voice, piano, guitar, and the complete range of orchestral instruments. Awards are intended for those in the earliest stages of their professional career, rather than those who are already established. They are intended to support programs of further study and related projects that prepare the applicant for a successful performing career.

Candidates must be nominated, either by the leadership of the institution where they are studying (the Dean, Director, or their equivalent) or by an internationally recognized musician with whom they are studying independently. Participation in the nomination process is by invitation only: students may not apply directly to the Foundation and professors who may wish to nominate them must channel their nominations through the leadership of the school in question.