2027 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Voice – Jazz

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

Learn more

Application Requirements

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

  • A jazz ballad (first 8 bars a cappella; the rest performed with instrumental accompaniment).
  • A medium or up-tempo swing or a Bossa Nova tune.
  • A Bebop (e.g., Boplicity, Tenor Madness, Donna Lee, Au Privave) or Blues tune (e.g., Route 66, Everyday (I have the Blues), Stormy Monday). Songs may be sung with lyrics or scat syllables.

Improvisation (scatting) is strongly encouraged on at least one of the pieces. Your music should come from the appropriate repertoire. Use of a Standards Real Book or Standards Fake Book is acceptable.

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: Live accompaniment is preferred, including but not limited to one piano (also preferred), guitar or combo. Pre-recorded format without background vocals is permitted if live accompaniment is not available to you. You may accompany yourself keeping in mind only vocals are being adjudicated.
  • 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. Microphones are permitted as long as the windscreen is removed so that the judges can see your face clearly.
  • 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.