2027 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Voice – Classical

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

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Application Requirements

Submit three (3) individual digital video recordings performed from memory, without sheet music, to include the following and in the following order:

  • One (1) art song from any time period. No musical theater or operatic repertoire allowed for this selection. Composition should be originally written for voice and piano.
  • A song or aria selection of your choice. This selection may come from an opera, operetta, oratorio, or may be an art song in language of your choosing. No musical theater selections.
  • One (1) art song or aria in Italian from any period.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required to perform one of your submitted selections live on stage during National YoungArts Week.

Recording Guidelines

  • Accompaniment: Record your audition with live piano accompaniment.
  • Sound: Make sure the acoustics in the room are suitable for a recording. Practice your piece in the space. Ensure the level of piano accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice. No sound enhancements are permitted.
  • Image: Be sure your image is clear and good quality without background distractions.
  • Framing: The camera should be set at a fixed point of view. Shooting straight on, leaving the camera in one location at a distance to frame your face and body clearly. Judges must be able to see your facial expressions to properly adjudicate your work.
  • Lighting: Make sure the space is well-lit, but not too bright. Too little light and judges cannot see you. Too much light will leave you overexposed, and judges cannot see your expressions.

File Upload Guidelines

  • Save each selection individually and name the files with their song titles.
  • Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your files.
  • Upload each selection as a separate file.
  • Once uploaded, verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.

NOTE: You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for getting permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.