# National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions is a prestigious classical voice competition designed to showcase and celebrate young vocal talent across the United States. This program offers aspiring singers in grades 9 through 14 the opportunity to perform, receive feedback from experienced professionals, and compete at both regional and national levels. Whether you aspire to pursue a career in classical music or simply wish to refine your vocal artistry, this competition provides a platform to grow as a performer while connecting with a community that shares your passion for singing. ## Program Structure The NATS Student Auditions is an **in-person program** consisting of two competitive levels: **regional** and **national**. 1. **Regional Level:** Students first compete in one of the many regional chapters of NATS across the United States. Each chapter hosts its own auditions, and participants perform in front of a panel of professional voice teachers and adjudicators. Categories are divided by age, gender, and repertoire type to ensure fair and focused evaluation. 2. **National Level:** Top performers from each region advance to the national competition, where they compete against other talented singers from across the country. The national round typically takes place at a central location determined annually by NATS. The program runs annually and unfolds over several months, beginning with regional auditions and culminating in the national finals. Participants are required to prepare and perform a repertoire of classical vocal pieces that showcase their technical skill, musicality, and stage presence. ## What Students Experience Participants in the NATS Student Auditions gain invaluable experiences both on and off the stage. Some highlights include: - **Performance Opportunities:** Students perform before a live audience and a panel of professional adjudicators, allowing them to develop confidence and refine their performance skills. - **Constructive Feedback:** Adjudicators provide detailed, personalized critiques of each performance, offering insights into areas for growth as well as recognizing strengths. - **Networking and Community:** Participants join a network of peers and professionals in the classical voice community, fostering connections that can last a lifetime. - **Skill Development:** Preparing for the auditions helps students build discipline, master advanced vocal techniques, and expand their repertoire. This program is more than just a competition—it’s a learning experience that encourages artistic growth and inspires excellence. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participating in the NATS Student Auditions is a valuable addition to any college application, especially for students interested in pursuing music or performing arts. Colleges and conservatories recognize the prestige associated with this competition and value the commitment and skill it represents. The program demonstrates: - **Artistic Dedication:** Preparing for and competing in a national-level classical voice competition highlights a student’s passion and work ethic. - **Recognition of Talent:** Advancing to regional or national levels showcases exceptional skill and sets applicants apart. - **Feedback from Experts:** The professional critiques provided during the auditions can be used to refine audition materials for college applications. - **Experience in a Professional Setting:** Competing in a formal, adjudicated environment mirrors the audition process for conservatories and professional opportunities. ## Eligibility This program is open to students in **grades 9 through 14** (high school through the second year of college). Applicants must have a strong interest in classical voice and be prepared to perform a repertoire of classical music. While no specific prior competition experience is required, a background in vocal training is highly recommended. ## How to Participate To participate in the NATS Student Auditions: 1. **Join NATS or Work with a NATS Teacher:** Students must either be members of NATS or have a teacher who is a NATS member to qualify for the competition. 2. **Register for Regional Auditions:** Find and register for your local NATS chapter’s auditions through their website. Registration typically includes a fee of **$50**. 3. **Prepare Your Repertoire:** Prepare a selection of classical music pieces as per the competition guidelines. Specific requirements may vary by category and level. 4. **Compete in Regional Auditions:** Perform at the regional auditions to qualify for the national level. 5. **Advance to Nationals (if applicable):** If selected, you will have the chance to compete at the national competition and represent your region. For more information and to register, visit the [NATS website](https://www.nats.org). Be sure to check deadlines and specific regional requirements to ensure you are prepared. --- The NATS Student Auditions is an incredible opportunity for young singers to refine their skills, showcase their talent, and gain recognition in the classical music community. If you’re passionate about singing and ready to take your artistry to the next level, this program could be the perfect fit for you!